Game day grub: you’ve got to have it. And when it comes to sports watching food, it probably means you’re feeding a crowd of some sort. It could just be for a few family members or friends, or it could be for a large gathering as well. For me, that means it is time to break out some dishes that I wouldn’t make on a regular night. I get to indulge a bit. Give me cheese, give me bread, give me a bit of gluttony!
…and when you combine them all, you’re in for a treat. I have been DYING to try a pull apart bread recipe of some sort, and I finally had the opportunity. Great googly moogly, I can’t believe it took me this long to indulge in this simple to make goodness. The great thing is this pull apart bread takes only a few minutes to assemble. The only problem is how quickly it disappears from the table. For us, I think we clocked in at under five minutes before every last crumb was devoured. At least I was left with a group of satisfied family members in the end. In retrospect, maybe I should have made two loaves. There’s always next time I suppose!
Speaking of next time, I might just have to test out a few different flavor combinations. Customizing the stuffing, from the cheese, to meat, to herbs, is completely feasible. I really need to get my pairings put together for the big game coming up next week. Because for me, it isn’t about the game…it’s about the food. Seriously…who else is with me on that???
Any suggestions on a future flavor combination to try out?
Cheesy Stuffed Pull Apart Bread
- 1 round boule bread loaf (with crusty exterior
- Turkey pepperoni
- 80z shredded mozzarella cheese (more or less depending on taste preference)
- 2-3 tbsp butter, melted
- Garlic salt
- ¼ cup fresh basil, cut in a chiffonade
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Place the boule loaf on a cutting board. Use a long, serrated bread knife to cut slices into the loaf, but not all the way through the bottom crust (you don't want the loaf to fall apart). Turn the loaf and repeat the process to cut a checkerboard pattern into the bread.
- Carefully separate the squares of bread and place pepperoni slices into the nooks and crannies until they are evenly distributed throughout the loaf. Separate the squares again and carefully stuff the mozzarella cheese into the spaces with the pepperoni. Gently push the loaf together to "seal in" the stuffing.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the melted butter over the top of the loaf, then sprinkle lightly with garlic salt. Wrap loaf in aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake until cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
- When the pull apart bread is removed from the oven, unwrap from aluminum foil and place on a dish. Sprinkle with basil and serve with marinara sauce; enjoy!
Wow. This sounds so, so delicious. I see some pull apart bread in my future!!
That looks absolutely amazing! It would be yummy for superbowl parties 🙂