Blooming Bread/ Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

Servings – 4 people
Portion size – 2-3 pull-apart chunks per person
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 25 minutes

Ingredients

Bread:

• 1 round artisan bread loaf (sourdough or boule preferred)

Filling:

• 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or coriander, chopped

• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp spring onions or chives (optional, for extra flavor)

Equipment Needed

• Serrated bread knife

• Baking tray

• Aluminum foil

• Mixing bowl

• Pastry brush or spoon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the round loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the bread horizontally and vertically in a crisscross pattern—about 1 inch apart—without cutting through the base.

3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chili flakes, spring onions, and a pinch of salt.

4. Gently open the bread sections and stuff cheese between all cuts.

5. Drizzle or brush the butter-garlic mixture generously over and into the loaf.

6. Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place on a baking tray.

7. Bake covered for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and slightly crispy.

8. Serve hot and enjoy pulling apart the gooey, flavorful chunks!

Tips

• Pat the bread dry if it’s too soft—it helps it crisp better.

• For extra flavor, add a thin layer of pesto or pizza sauce before stuffing with cheese.

• Use pre-sliced cheese strips to make stuffing easier.