Pull-Apart Spider Web Garlic Bread

Ingredients

• 1 round boule or sourdough loaf (about 1 pound)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon black olive, thinly sliced into strips (for spider garnish)

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut a spiral pattern into the top of the loaf from the center outward, like a spider web, cutting about three-quarters of the way through without cutting all the way to the bottom crust. Make 4 to 5 crosswise cuts intersecting the spiral to form web sections.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

4. 4

   Gently pull apart the cut sections of the loaf and drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly into the cuts, working it down between the sections with a spoon or brush.

5. 5

   Stuff the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan down into the cuts throughout the loaf, pressing gently so the cheese nestles into the web pattern.

6. 6

   Wrap the loaf loosely in foil, leaving the top slightly exposed, and bake for 20 minutes.

   20:00 · Bake wrapped
7. 7

   Unwrap the foil and continue baking until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the top, 5 to 10 minutes more.

   5:00 · Bake uncovered
8. 8

   Remove from the oven and arrange the olive strips across the top in a web design to garnish, radiating out from the center.

9. 9

   Let the bread cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving board. Pull apart the sections to serve warm.

   5:00 · Cool before serving