Description
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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Ingredients
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
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice the Bread Hasselback-Style
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Using a serrated knife, make deep cuts into the bread—about ¾ of the way through—every 1 inch across the loaf.
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Turn the loaf and cut in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern.
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Be careful not to cut all the way through; the base should hold the loaf together.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
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Stir well to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Fill the Bread
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Carefully open up the cuts in the bread.
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Use a pastry brush or spoon to drizzle and brush the garlic butter into all the crevices.
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Stuff shredded cheeses into the cuts, using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
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Add optional toppings like bacon or green onions at this stage if using.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
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Place the prepared loaf on your baking sheet.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the top is golden.
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If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
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Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.
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Transfer to a cutting board or serving platter.
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Serve warm—guests can pull pieces right from the loaf.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American