How to make irresistible sourdough cheesy pull-apart bread (aka 'crack' bread) with just 4 ingredients and in under 30 minutes! This warm ooey-gooey melty cheesy, herby bread is delicious as an appetizer or side and super duper versatile too!
Prepare the spice blend, by combining the za'atar and olive oil in a bowl and mixing well. This will help the spices to adhere to the bread.
Slice the sourdough loaf. First slice the loaf across - as if you're going to cut medium-thick slices from the loaf but leaving 1/2-inch at the bottom of the loaf (you don't slice all the way through). Then slice the other way, an inch or so apart, so you have a crisscrossing grid pattern in the bread.
Brush down in the bread cracks ('pockets') with the za'atar oil combination, adding a little to the top too. You could also use a turkey baster to distribute this mixture easily.
Stuff each pocket with a little cheese (as you can see in the images).
Place the cheesy sourdough bread on an oven-safe dish with a cover (a dutch oven works best) or wrap tightly in foil.This is because we're using pre-baked bread and so we don't want to burn it in the oven. If you're using a homemade/ par-baked loaf, then you may not need this.
Bake the cheesy sourdough bread in the oven at 375ºF/190ºC for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for further 15 minutes.Once ready, serve immediately while warm! Guests/family can pull sections away from the loaf, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the loaf. It'll make things easiest. When cutting the second direction of cuts it can be a bit fiddly, if any pieces fall out, fill up the cavity and pop them back in.
Avoid pre-shredded cheese: It's usually covered in an anti-caking coating to stop it sticking together, but it also impacts the melting ability.
This sourdough cheesy pull-apart bread recipe can easily be sized up and down, based on the size of the sourdough loaf you have.
If you have a small loaf or a large Air Fryer then you may be able to cook the crack bread that way too. I suggest 12-15 minutes at 200ºC/400ºF.
Flavor Variations:
Garlic & Herb: Combine melted butter or olive oil with garlic powder, fresh minced garlic, or garlic confit, and 1-2 tsp Italian Seasoning.
Chili Cheese: Combine the oil or butter with a little chili paste or minced chili and salt. Combine with cheese like Pepper Jack cheese or Mexican chili cheese.
Pizza Bread: Use the garlic and herb filling with some confit tomatoes also stuffed into the bread or a little tomato puree or marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella or a combination 3-cheese mixture.