Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) Round crusty loaf (sourdough or similar), a day old is ideal
• 115 g (4 oz) Butter, softened
• 5 Garlic cloves, finely grated
• 3 tbsp Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tsp Chilli flakes, optional
• ½ tsp Fine salt
• 170 g (6 oz) Grated mozzarella
• 85 g (3 oz) Grated mature cheddar

You’ll need: Baking tray, Serrated knife, Foil

Method

1. 1

   Heat the oven. Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with foil, leaving enough overhang to wrap the whole loaf.

2. 2

   Make the garlic butter. Mash the butter with the garlic, parsley, chilli flakes and salt until evenly mixed.

3. 3

   Score the loaf. Set the loaf on the foil. With a serrated knife, cut a grid of slices about 2.5 cm (1 in) apart, going almost all the way down but stopping just above the base so the loaf holds together. Turn it and cut the other way.

4. 4

   Stuff it. Spread the garlic butter into every cut, using a knife and your fingers and pushing it deep. Mix the two cheeses and pack them into the gaps, scattering any left over on top.

5. 5

   Bake covered. Wrap the foil loosely around the loaf and bake for 20 minutes, until the butter has melted and the cheese is soft.

6. 6

   Brown and serve. Open up the foil and bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Rest for 3 minutes, then serve warm. Everyone pulls off their own pieces.