Description

Cheddar Jalapeño Pull-Apart Bread is a flavorful and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. A crusty round sourdough loaf is sliced in a crosshatch pattern, filled generously with sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños, then brushed with a garlic butter mixture. Baked until golden and melty, this pull-apart bread is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Bread and Cheese

1 large round sourdough or artisan bread loaf
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Herbs

1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)

Butter Mixture

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the bread loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Score Bread: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the bread in a grid pattern about 1 inch apart, making deep cuts but not cutting all the way through the bottom. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern, preparing the bread to hold the fillings.
Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and smoked paprika if using. This mixture will infuse the bread with rich flavor and aroma.
Butter the Bread: Gently pull apart the sections of the scored bread with your fingers or a spoon. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture into the crevices, ensuring even distribution to coat all sections.
Stuff the Bread: Evenly stuff the shredded cheddar cheese into all the slits, followed by the sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top to add freshness and color.
Bake Covered: Loosely wrap the prepared bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the crust.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm. Pull apart sections to enjoy the gooey cheese and spicy jalapeño flavors in every bite.

Notes

Use pickled jalapeños for an extra tangy flavor profile.
Substitute Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different cheese flavor and melt.
This bread is best served fresh from the oven for the optimum texture and flavor.