Garlic Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Bread & Topping

1. 1

   Preheat and prepare loaf

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf crosswise into 1-inch to 1 1/4-inch slices, cutting almost through but leaving the base intact so the slices stay connected (or cut fully and arrange slices close together if you prefer pull-apart style).

2. 2

   Make garlic butter

   In a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl, combine unsalted butter and olive oil. Warm until the butter is melted. Add 2 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, plus a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir and remove from heat; this will be brushed on the cut surfaces and between slices.

3. 3

   Prepare cream cheese mixture

   In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a fork or small whisk. Stir in the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella (reserve about 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top), remaining chopped parsley (about 1 tablespoon), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until uniformly combined and spreadable. If mixture is stiff, warm briefly in microwave (5–10 seconds) and stir.

4. 4

   Assemble bread

   Carefully spread or pipe the cream cheese mixture between the slices and on top of the loaf: use a butter knife to push some filling into each cut, ensuring every slice will have filling. Brush the garlic butter generously over the top of the loaf and in any exposed areas between slices. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top so it melts and browns.

5. 5

   Bake

   Place the assembled loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cover loosely with foil (to prevent over-browning while ensuring melting). Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 6–8 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden. If you prefer more browning, broil on high for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.

6. 6

   Finish and serve

   Remove from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Brush any remaining garlic butter over the top, sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of chopped parsley for freshness, and serve warm. Pull apart or slice between the cuts and enjoy.