Side Dish: United States – Parmesan Garlic Pull-Apart French Bread

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 20 min

Total 30 min

Ingredients

- 1 loaf French bread, approx. 12 oz (340 g)
- 8 tbsp (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp (1.25 g) dried oregano (optional)
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Make a crosshatch cut through the loaf: slice diagonally about 3/4 inch (2 cm) apart without cutting all the way through, then rotate the loaf and make diagonal cuts in the other direction to create roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes that remain attached at the base.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, 1/2 cup (about 50 g) of the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper until combined.
4. Use a spoon or small spatula to work the garlic-parmesan butter into the cuts and between the cubes, distributing the mixture evenly; let some butter pool into the crevices for maximal flavor.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup (about 25 g) grated Parmesan over the top of the loaf, wrap the loaf loosely in foil, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake wrapped for 12–15 minutes, then open the foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes to crisp the exterior and melt the cheese into the interior. If you prefer a more browned top, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
7. Remove from the oven, garnish with any extra chopped parsley, and serve warm for tearing apart.