why make this recipe
This bread looks fun and tastes great. It is cheesy, garlicky, and easy to share. It is perfect for game day, parties, or a simple snack. The shape makes it special and kids like it.
introduction
This recipe makes a football shaped pull apart bread filled with mozzarella and garlic butter. It uses simple ingredients and bakes fast. Try it when you want a warm, cheesy snack. For another easy garlic and cheese idea, see cheesy garlic butter chicken bowties.
how to make Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients :
- 1 tbsp Basil
- 2 small cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 16 oz Pizza dough
- Flaky salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 slice Cheese
- 1/2 tbsp Milk
- 8 Mozzarella string cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix basil, minced garlic, parsley, and melted butter.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares.
- Place a piece of mozzarella cheese and a bit of the herb butter mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling and shape it into a ball.
- Place the balls in a football-shaped baking dish.
- Brush the tops with remaining herb butter and sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
how to serve Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Serve the bread warm on a large plate. Put a bowl of marinara sauce in the middle for dipping. Cut or pull the balls apart for easy eating. You can serve it with a fresh salad or a simple chicken dish like cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a fuller meal.
how to store Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Cool the bread to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container or wrap well with foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm, about 10-15 minutes from fridge or 20-25 minutes from frozen.
tips to make Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Use room temperature dough for easier rolling.
- Do not overfill each square or it may leak while baking.
- Brush tops with butter twice for a shinier, richer crust.
- Use flaky salt for a nice finish and crunch.
- Check oven early; baking time can vary by oven.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped pepperoni or cooked bacon inside for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone.
- Mix herbs like oregano or chives into the butter for different taste.
- Make mini footballs by using smaller dough pieces.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A: Yes. Store-bought dough works well and saves time.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Bake when ready.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warm. This keeps the bread crisp.
Q: Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese?
A: Yes. Use a small amount so the filling does not leak.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No. It is mild and garlicky. Add red pepper flakes if you want spice.
Conclusion
For another stuffed garlic bread idea, see Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls | Munchin’ With Maddie. If you want a bacon and cheese version in a similar football shape, check Bacon and Cheese Garlic Bread Pull-Apart Football.
Print
Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and cheesy pull apart bread shaped like a football, filled with mozzarella and garlic butter, perfect for game day or parties.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Basil
- 2 small cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 16 oz Pizza dough
- Flaky salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 slice Cheese
- 1/2 tbsp Milk
- 8 Mozzarella string cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix basil, minced garlic, parsley, and melted butter.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares.
- Place a piece of mozzarella cheese and a bit of the herb butter mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling and shape it into a ball.
- Place the balls in a football-shaped baking dish.
- Brush the tops with remaining herb butter and sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a shinier crust, brush tops with butter twice. Use room temperature dough for easier rolling. To store, cool to room temperature and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pull apart bread, cheesy bread, game day snack, garlic bread, party food