Hasselback Cheesy Bread

Golden, garlicky, and oozing with melty cheese in every slice, this Hasselback Cheesy Bread is the ultimate party appetizer or comfort food side dish. With deep, crisscrossed cuts packed with cheese, butter, and herbs, every piece pulls apart in the most satisfying way. Serve it as a game-day snack, alongside pasta, or just enjoy it straight from the tray—because once you start, it’s hard to stop.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pull-Apart Perfection – Each bite is filled with cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – Golden crust meets tender, buttery center.
Perfect for Sharing – A fun and impressive centerpiece for any gathering.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite cheeses, herbs, or toppings.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, major payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread:
1 large crusty round or oval loaf (like sourdough or Italian)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Garlic Butter:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:
Cooked, crumbled bacon
Chopped green onions
Sun-dried tomatoes
Everything bagel seasoning

Tools You’ll Need
Serrated knife
Pastry brush
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil (for tenting if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice the Bread Hasselback-Style

1. Using a serrated knife, make deep cuts into the bread—about ¾ of the way through—every 1 inch across the loaf.
2. Turn the loaf and cut in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern.
3. Be careful not to cut all the way through; the base should hold the loaf together.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Fill the Bread

1. Carefully open up the cuts in the bread.
2. Use a pastry brush or spoon to drizzle and brush the garlic butter into all the crevices.
3. Stuff shredded cheeses into the cuts, using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
4. Add optional toppings like bacon or green onions at this stage if using.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Place the prepared loaf on your baking sheet.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the top is golden.
3. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.
2. Transfer to a cutting board or serving platter.
3. Serve warm—guests can pull pieces right from the loaf.

Tips for the Best Hasselback Cheesy Bread
Use a Firm Loaf – Sourdough or crusty Italian bread holds up best to slicing and stuffing.
Don’t Overcut – Keep the base of the bread intact to hold everything together.
Stuff Generously – Get cheese and butter into every nook and cranny.
Serve Fresh – Best enjoyed hot out of the oven when the cheese is gooey.
Make It Your Own – Try different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a new twist.

Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.
Pair with pasta, soup, or salad for a cozy dinner.
Add to a game day spread with wings, sliders, and chips.
Cut into smaller chunks and serve on skewers for parties.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven: Wrap in foil and reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warm and melty.
Air Fryer: Reheat individual portions at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the bread with butter and cheese, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
2. Can I use pre-sliced bread?
   It’s not ideal—use an unsliced loaf for better control and filling space.
3. What cheeses melt best for this?
   Mozzarella is perfect for stretchiness, cheddar for flavor, and Parmesan for a salty kick.
4. Can I freeze it?
   You can freeze the assembled, unbaked loaf. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
5. Is this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, unless you add bacon or other meat toppings.

Final Thoughts
This Hasselback Cheesy Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy, gooey, and dripping with garlicky, buttery flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a cheesy indulgence, this bread delivers all the comfort and crunch you crave.

Give it a try and share your twist—extra cheese, bold spices, or a fun topping. I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 410mg

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