Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe

Easy Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe: Golden Pull-Apart Magic

Slicing through this delectable hasselback cheesy bread with precision and flair.

Crispy edges peek out like golden fans, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Layers of melted cheese nestle between perfectly cut sections, creating an irresistible texture.

Garlic and herbs dance across the surface, adding depth to every bite.

Each slice becomes a canvas of culinary creativity, inviting you to savor every moment.

Weekend gatherings or quick snacks will never be the same with this showstopping bread.

Grab a slice and let the deliciousness inspire your next kitchen adventure.

Why Hasselback Cheesy Bread Is The Ultimate Pull-Apart Snack

  • Unleash Cheesy Flavor Explosion: This Hasselback bread delivers an incredible burst of melted cheese and garlic in every single slice, creating a mouthwatering experience that transforms ordinary bread into a spectacular appetizer.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple personalization by adjusting cheese types, adding spice levels with red pepper flakes, or incorporating different herbs, making it perfect for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Master Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With just 30 minutes total preparation and cooking time, this bread becomes an effortless showstopper for parties, game nights, or family gatherings, requiring minimal cooking skills but producing maximum deliciousness.
  • Enjoy Interactive Eating: The Hasselback technique creates fun pull-apart sections that encourage social dining, letting guests interact with the food and enjoy a communal, hands-on eating experience that sparks conversation and excitement.

What Goes Into Hasselback Cheesy Bread

Bread Base:
  • Bread Loaf: Sturdy base for the cheesy creation, perfect for pulling apart and sharing.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty, stretchy cheeses that provide gooey texture and rich flavor, choose full-fat varieties for best results.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust, select unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Olive Oil: Enhances butter's ability to spread and adds subtle depth to the flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor, fresh garlic will give the best taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that complement the cheesy bread, adds complexity to the overall taste.
  • Parsley: Optional herb that brings freshness and light green color to the dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice element that adds gentle heat and excitement.

How To Assemble And Bake Hasselback Cheesy Bread

Step 1: Create Bread Slits

Grab a sharp serrated knife and a sturdy cutting board. Position your bread loaf carefully and slice deep, even cuts across the entire surface. Make cuts about one inch apart, but don’t slice all the way through – you want the bottom to stay connected. Rotate the loaf and create perpendicular cuts to form a beautiful crosshatch pattern that will help cheese and flavor seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Olive oil
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Dried Italian herbs
  • Chopped parsley
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a mouthwatering aromatic mixture that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Load With Cheesy Goodness

Gently separate the bread’s slits and generously stuff with:
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Sharp cheddar cheese

Ensure each cut gets an even distribution of cheesy deliciousness. Use a spoon to drizzle the herbed butter mixture between each slice, coating the bread and cheese completely.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Wrap the loaded bread loosely in aluminum foil. Place on a prepared baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven at 375 Fahrenheit. Bake covered for 15 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes more. Watch for golden edges and melted, bubbly cheese.

Step 5: Serve And Devour

Transfer the hot, cheesy bread to a serving platter. Let it cool slightly so the cheese sets. Invite friends to pull apart the gooey, herb-infused slices and enjoy the ultimate sharing appetizer that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips For The Best Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Master Your Slicing Technique: Cut bread precisely without slicing through the bottom, creating a beautiful crosshatch pattern for even cheese and butter distribution.
  • Customize Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyere, fontina, or pepper jack to personalize the flavor profile and create unique taste experiences.
  • Prevent Dry Bread Disaster: Wrap the bread in foil during initial baking to maintain moisture and ensure a soft, perfectly textured result every time.
  • Elevate Flavor Intensity: Add extra herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter mixture for a more complex and aromatic bread experience.
  • Make It Dietary-Friendly: Use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising on deliciousness.

How To Keep Hasselback Cheesy Bread Fresh And Cheesy

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the leftover Hasselback Cheesy Bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
  • Reheat in Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Unwrap the bread and place it on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread becomes crispy again.
  • Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Zap for 20-30 seconds, but be careful as the bread might become slightly soggy compared to oven reheating.
  • Avoid Freezing: This bread is best enjoyed fresh and doesn't freeze well due to its cheesy, buttery texture that can separate when thawed.

What To Serve With Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Pair with Sparkling White Wine: Grab a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, cheesy bread. The wine's acidity balances the buttery garlic flavors and cleanses your palate between bites.
  • Serve with Zesty Tomato Marinara: Whip up a quick homemade marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato base complements the melted cheese and provides a perfect counterpoint to the garlicky bread.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will refresh your taste buds and add a healthy contrast to the indulgent bread.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a crisp pilsner. The beer's carbonation and slight bitterness will cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the garlic's bold flavors.

Cheesy Twists For Hasselback Cheesy Bread

  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Bread: Replace mozzarella and cheddar with cream cheese and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits between slices for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Mediterranean Herb Bread: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend. Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella and cheddar. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Bread: Substitute cheeses with nutty Gruyère. Mix in slowly caramelized onions between bread slices. Drizzle with thyme-infused olive oil before baking for rich, savory notes.
  • Pesto Parmesan Bread: Replace garlic butter with homemade basil pesto. Use aged Parmesan cheese instead of mozzarella and cheddar. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top after baking for added texture.

Hasselback Cheesy Bread Questions Answered

  • Why are Hasselback cuts important for this bread recipe?

The Hasselback technique creates more surface area for cheese and garlic butter, allowing each slice to be crispy and flavorful. The cuts help ingredients penetrate deeper into the bread, making every bite deliciously seasoned.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella and cheddar work great, but you can experiment with gruyère, parmesan, or monterey jack. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the garlic butter’s flavor.

  • How do I prevent the bread from burning while baking?

Covering the bread with aluminum foil during the first part of baking prevents over-browning. The foil protects the bread’s surface while allowing the cheese to melt and the interior to heat evenly. Remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Hasselback Cheesy Bread is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat ingredients and can be easily adapted with different cheeses and seasonings to suit various dietary preferences.

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Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe

Hasselback Cheesy Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy hasselback bread brings Mediterranean magic to your table, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that blends crispy edges with gooey cheese. Garlic-infused butter and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet irresistible dish, promising you’ll become an instant culinary hero at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large crusty loaf (like sourdough or Italian bread)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and cover a baking sheet with protective lining for effortless cleanup.
  2. Position the bread loaf on a sturdy cutting surface and carefully slice deep, uniform incisions approximately one inch apart, ensuring the base remains intact. Create an intricate crosshatch pattern by rotating the loaf and making perpendicular cuts.
  3. Craft a flavorful infusion by whisking together warm butter, aromatic olive oil, minced garlic, fragrant Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and optional red pepper flakes in a compact mixing vessel.
  4. Gently separate bread sections and nestle generous portions of mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each crevice, distributing evenly. Delicately drizzle the herbed butter mixture throughout the slits, ensuring comprehensive coverage of cheese and bread interior.
  5. Encase the prepared loaf loosely in aluminum foil to preserve moisture during initial baking. Transfer to prepared sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Remove foil protection and continue baking until cheese transforms into molten pools and bread edges acquire a golden, crispy exterior.
  6. Allow bread to rest momentarily after removing from oven, permitting cheese to stabilize. Transfer to an elegant serving platter, inviting guests to indulge in this interactive, pull-apart delicacy bursting with garlicky, cheesy magnificence.

Notes

  • Customize the bread by using different cheese varieties like Gruyère, provolone, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Ensure clean, precise cuts by using a sharp serrated knife and placing wooden spoon handles on either side of the bread to prevent cutting through the bottom.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by selecting a gluten-free bread loaf and checking ingredient labels for potential gluten-containing seasonings.
  • Elevate the dish’s nutritional value by incorporating chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, or crispy bacon bits between cheese layers for added texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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