This cheesy garlic hasselback bread is baked with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan between slices and brushed in a garlicky herb butter.

Ooh boy, I apologize in advance for what I’m doing to you today with this bread.
I mean, those cheese stretches just don’t lie and neither does the fact that you will likely end up making a meal outta this goodness.
Just to recap a bit: we’ve got French bread stuffed with two kinds of cheese and brushed with garlic herb butter. Sounds simple because it is, but sometimes even the most simple things can be the most life-changing.

I mean, imagine a few loaves of this cheesy magic at your next spaghetti night?? Served fun pull-apart style and all. Nothing can get any better than that.
This Bread features…
- Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside French bread
- Gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked between slices
- Garlicky herb butter brushed on top

Making the Cheesy Bread
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- French bread
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
Choosing Your Bread
I recommend going with a French baguette for this recipe. You can also use a larger loaf such as Italian bread if you would like larger slices, just be aware you may need to use more cheese for filling.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bread
- Use a serrated knife to cut slices – this will give you better control during slicing to ensure you don’t slice fully through the loaf.
- Freshly shred cheese – avoid using pre-shredded cheese here as freshly shredded will melt much better.
- Use fresh garlic – you can’t compare with the strong garlicky flavor that fresh provides.
- Brush bread with garlic butter after baking – this will keep the garlic from getting burnt.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this bread.
- Use different types of cheese – try using different combinations as well such as mozzarella and asiago, Monterey jack, or cheddar and gouda.
- Add some heat – use the optional red pepper flakes in the recipe for just a touch of spice.
- Top bread with fresh herbs – once bread is baked top with fresh minced basil or oregano.
Make Ahead Instructions
Follow these instructions for time-saving make ahead tips.
- Make the garlic butter – make the garlic butter and store in refrigerator up to 1 week. Melt the butter over medium heat to return to liquid form when ready to serve.
- Assemble the loaf – cut the bread hasselback-style, stuff with cheese, wrap in tin foil, and store in refrigerator up to 4 days before baking.

A word of advice: DO NOT make this bread unless you’ve got other people around you to help you out with the finished product because once you start pulling that cheesy goodness apart it’s pretty much impossible to stop.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

More breads you’ll want to try next!
Cheesy Garlic Hasselback Bread
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 (9.5 oz) French baguette
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 medium cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and line a medium sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Cut French bread in half lengthwise and then into 1/2-inch slices about 3/4 of the way through loaf. Arrange loaves on prepared sheet pan.
- Combine mozzarella and Parmesan in a small bowl. Stuff cheese in between bread slices. Set aside for a moment.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove butter from heat and add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set butter aside.
- Bake bread at 400F 10-15 minutes until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Brush warm bread with garlic butter and pull apart for serving warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 9/24/25.


Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
This looks really delicious! Perfect timing for this time of year! I love all the cheesiness stuffed inside!
Sarah says
Thank Kelly! Easy, cheesy comfort foods = Absolute must this time of year. 😉
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
So jealous you got new windows! Our windows are ancient too. They’re horrible at insulating. I’m nervous for winter because I just know they’re going to let all the cold air in. Glad it’s given you better lighting!
This bread is SUCH a good idea! The cheesier the better, right?
Sarah says
Thanks so much Nat! Have a great weekend, friend!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Yay to new windows and cheesy garlic bread! The things we get excited about…myself included. 🙂
Have a great weekend, girl!
Sarah says
Hahaha totally agree, Melanie! It doesn’t take much to get food bloggers excited. 😀 You have a great weekend too, friend!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
This might have been in the post but I missed it because I was drooling over all these pictures, but can you make this with a pre made loaf of bread?? Because yeast scares me.
Sarah says
Yep! You can totally make any bread into hasselback bread. Just follow the instructions in my recipe 5-8.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Garlic bread is my weakness, but throw in tons of cheese and I’m gone. I think I would have such a hard time not eating the entire loaf! Love this bread, Sarah!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! I can tell you firsthand it’s extremely difficult not to eat the entire loaf. 😉
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
Yay for new windows and better lighting! This garlic bread is screaming for me to eat it. All of that gooey cheese take this bread right over the top. Swoon!
Sarah says
Thanks so much, Jen! Definitely set the weekend off to a good start. 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Windows and natural light?! The BEST! And this cheesy pull-apart bread looks freaking amazing!! Pinned and LOVE!
Sarah says
Thanks so much for pinning, Alice! Have a good weekend, girl!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
Love this hasselback bread! It’s looks amazing and sounds absolutely divine! Loving all the oozy cheese on the outside, gorgeous!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Jess! 🙂
Karen - 2Teaspoons says
Wow that cheese looks soooooo delicious Sarah! This bread definitely sounds evil, in that yummy, tasty, melty cheese way 🙂 Congrats on the new windows! Great lighting is definitely something to be excited about 🙂
Sarah says
Haha definitely the best kinda evil right there. 😉 Thanks Karen!
Danielle says
My only problem with this bread is that I would eat the whole thing before I could get a chance to share it with others. Cheesy bread is my weakness! Pinning 🙂
Sarah says
That’s a problem how…? 😀 Only for the people around you! LOL. Thanks for pinning, Danielle!
Rachael | Spache the Spatula says
Sarah, this looks AWESOME! Loving that gif at the bottom—so cheesy!
And I’d be thrilled about new windows, too! Anything that adds good picture-taking light is super exciting to me 😀
Sarah says
Thanks Rachael! And right?! Good lighting is something to be excited about. 😉
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This looks dangerously delicious… yum! I wouldn’t be able to resist fewer than two pieces either 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Medha! Totally addicting but in a good way for sure! 😉
Joanne says
I get totally excited about windows also, so you are NOT alone!
I am also pretty excited about this cheesy bread situation. Want IN MAH BELLY.
Sarah says
Thanks Joanne! This bread is SO up your alley, girl. 😉
Manali @ CookWithManali says
What a beautiful bread! Pinned!
Sarah says
Thank you for pinning, Manali!
Kelly says
Woohooo for new windows and more natural light!!! I would totally be jumping up and down over the windows and this gorgeous bread! Especially with all that ooey gooey cheese – evil but so delicious 🙂
Sarah says
I kinda was. Jumping up and down with joy that is. LOL. Thanks Kelly!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
This bread is amazing! I love the “action” shot!! That is awesome that you got new windows, though honestly I have always thought your pics are bright and gorgeous anyway!!
Sarah says
Awww. You’re too sweet Renee! Thanks so much friend! 😀