Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe by Pioneer Woman

Pioneer Woman’s pull apart cheese bread transforms ordinary bread into a mouthwatering culinary experience that sparks instant excitement at any gathering.

Layers of melty cheese and aromatic herbs create an irresistible pull-apart sensation that beckons hungry guests closer.

The magic happens when warm, golden bread becomes an interactive canvas for flavor and texture.

Soft, pillowy sections invite fingers to gently separate each delectable morsel, releasing incredible aromas that promise pure deliciousness.

Comfort and indulgence merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing creation that feels both elegant and wonderfully casual.

Pull Apart Cheese Bread to Share

• Create Stunning Cheese Pull: This recipe delivers epic cheese stretches that will make everyone's jaws drop when they pull apart each cheesy section, revealing melted mozzarella in gorgeous stringy ribbons.
• Unlock Effortless Entertaining Magic: Minimal prep work transforms a simple sourdough loaf into a show-stopping appetizer that looks professionally crafted, making you seem like a culinary genius without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Experience Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich pesto and melted mozzarella creates a tantalizing blend of herbaceous and creamy notes, delivering an intensely satisfying taste experience that will wow taste buds with every single bite.
• Master Quick Wow-Factor Dish: Ready in just 45 minutes, this pull-apart bread provides maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, perfect for spontaneous gatherings, game days, or unexpected dinner guests craving something extraordinary.

Cheese Bread Ingredient Essentials

• Sourdough Loaf: A hearty bread with tangy flavor, perfect for creating pull-apart texture and holding cheese and pesto.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Mild and stretchy cheese that melts beautifully, creating a gooey and stringy texture.
• Pesto: Herb-based sauce that adds rich, aromatic flavor and green color to the bread.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps steam and cook the bread evenly while preventing excessive browning.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the foil doesn't stick to the bread during baking.

Make Pull Apart Bread Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cheese-melting environment.

Step 2: Create Bread Slices

• Cut vertically without slicing through the bottom
• Rotate loaf 45 degrees
• Repeat cutting to form diamond-like pattern

Step 3: Layer Delicious Ingredients

• Spread pesto inside each cut
• Generously stuff shredded mozzarella cheese into slices

Step 4: Wrap and Bake

• Spray aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray
• Wrap bread completely
• Place on baking sheet
• Bake for 30 minutes until cheese melts thoroughly

Step 5: Create Golden Crispy Top

• Remove foil from bread
• Return to baking sheet
• Switch oven to broil
• Broil 1-2 minutes watching carefully
• Remove when cheese bubbles and top turns golden brown.

Bread Tips You Need to Know

• Slice with Care: Gently cut bread using a serrated knife without compressing the soft interior, keeping the loaf's structural integrity intact.
• Select Melty Cheeses Wisely: Opt for high-quality mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or blend varieties like Gruyère for maximum flavor and stretchy texture.
• Customize Pesto Power: Elevate store-bought pesto by mixing in fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or toasted pine nuts for an unexpected flavor boost.
• Time Your Baking Perfectly: Remove bread from oven moments before serving to ensure maximum cheese meltiness and crisp outer crust.
• Create Irresistible Warmth: Present bread immediately after baking so guests experience that magical moment of gooey, stringy cheese pulling apart.

Store Pull Apart Bread Like a Pro

• Freeze Strategically: Securely wrap the entire bread in aluminum foil, then place inside a labeled freezer bag. Tightly sealed pull apart cheese bread maintains maximum flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, transfer to refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing.
• Refrigerate Wisely: After cooling completely, store bread in an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic wrap. Refrigeration keeps the bread fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Counter Storage Caution: Never leave pull apart cheese bread at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cheese and bread ingredients can spoil quickly, risking potential bacterial growth. Always monitor and transfer to proper storage quickly to maintain food safety and taste quality.

Cheesy Bread Flavor Twists

• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Explosion: Sprinkle diced jalapeños between cheese layers for a fiery kick. Swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to amplify the heat. Perfect for spice lovers seeking an extra zesty pull-apart bread experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace pesto with a blend of chopped fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Mix crumbled feta cheese with mozzarella for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile. Drizzle olive oil before baking to enhance the herbal notes.
• Garlic Parmesan Crunch: Add minced garlic and grated parmesan between bread cuts. Brush melted butter mixed with garlic powder over the bread before baking. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top during the final broiling stage for a crispy, golden crust.
• Bacon Cheddar Indulgence: Intersperse crispy bacon bits between cheese layers. Use sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella for a richer taste. Garnish with chopped green onions after baking for a fresh, savory finish.

Pull Apart Bread Quick Take

Bread lovers unite around this sensational Pioneer Woman pull apart cheese bread masterpiece!

Melted mozzarella streams through pesto-laced crevices, creating an irresistible appetizer that promises instant crowd-pleasing magic.

Sourdough’s tangy backdrop provides perfect harmony with herbal pesto and gooey cheese layers.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Gathering friends becomes an instant celebration with such delectable magic on your table.

Hungry souls will devour each cheese-laden slice, sharing smiles and savoring each mouthwatering moment – so snap a pic, tag your favorite foodie friends, and spread deliciousness across social media landscapes!

Pioneer Woman Pull Apart Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman Pull Apart Cheese Bread delivers irresistible layers of melted cheese and herbed goodness. Perfectly baked golden edges and rich flavors make this crowd-pleasing appetizer an instant favorite you cannot resist trying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb round sourdough bread loaf
• 1 8-ounce (226 grams) bag shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce/Seasoning:

• 1 6-8 ounce (170–226 grams) jar prepared pesto

Cooking Accessories:

• Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by preheating to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal temperature for melting cheese and achieving a perfectly crisp texture.
2. Transform the sourdough loaf into an intricate network of cuts, slicing 3/4-inch thick sections vertically and then rotating 45 degrees to create an elegant diamond-like pattern, ensuring cuts do not completely separate the bread’s base.
3. Infuse each bread crevice with a generous layer of vibrant pesto, creating a fragrant herb-infused foundation, then meticulously nestle shredded mozzarella cheese into every available opening.
4. Encase the prepared bread completely in aluminum foil that has been lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray, positioning the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet to ensure even heat distribution.
5. Bake the foil-wrapped bread for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and integrate with the pesto-infused bread.
6. Carefully remove the foil wrapping and return the bread to the baking sheet, transitioning the oven to broil mode for a final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
7. Monitor the bread closely during broiling, removing it precisely when the cheese begins to bubble and develops a golden-brown surface, signaling the perfect moment of culinary completion.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Gently glide a serrated knife through the bread, creating clean cuts without compressing the soft interior. Aim for even, gentle slices that maintain the bread’s fluffy texture.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for melty superstars like mozzarella or sharp cheddar that create irresistible cheese pulls. Experiment with complementary cheese combinations like adding a sprinkle of Parmesan for depth and complexity.
• Pesto Perfection: Grab a quality store-bought pesto for convenience, or elevate the flavor with a homemade version bursting with fresh basil and aromatic ingredients. This sauce adds instant Mediterranean flair to your dish.
• Temperature Timing: Pull the bread from the oven just moments before serving to capture peak warmth and maximum cheese meltiness. Hot bread ensures a crispy exterior and gooey, stretchy interior.
• Immediate Enjoyment: Serve immediately to experience the ultimate sensory delight of crisp bread and molten cheese. The first bite should be a symphony of textures and flavors that melt in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg