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why make this recipe

This pull apart bread looks like a football and fills the room with warm garlic and melted cheese. It feels fun for game day, easy to share, and kids love it. It comes together fast with simple ingredients and gives you a warm, cheesy snack.

introduction

Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread is soft bread balls filled with string cheese and brushed with garlic herb butter. You shape the balls into a football form and bake until golden. For another fun pull-apart idea to try at the holidays, see this cheesy Christmas tree bread.

how to make Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Roll out the dough and cut it into small squares. Put a piece of mozzarella string cheese in each square and fold the dough around it. Shape the filled pieces into balls and place them close together on a baking sheet in an oval football shape. Brush with the garlic herb butter so every ball gets flavor. Bake until the tops are golden and the cheese melts inside. For another simple garlic and cheese idea with chicken, you can look at this cheesy garlic butter chicken bowties to learn more about mixing garlic butter flavors.

Ingredients :

1 tbsp Basil
2 small cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Parsley
1 jar 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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, crushed garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper together.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares.
Place a piece of mozzarella string cheese in the center of each square, fold the dough over the cheese, and shape it into a ball.
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet in the shape of a football.
Brush the garlic herb butter mixture over the top of the dough balls.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

how to serve Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Serve warm on a large plate so people can pull pieces off. Place a bowl of marinara sauce in the center for dipping. Add napkins — it is cheesy and fun to eat with hands.

how to store Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Let the bread cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep longer, freeze in a tight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warm.

tips to make Football Shaped Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Use a little flour to roll the dough so it does not stick.
Seal each square well so cheese does not leak.
Brush butter evenly for good color and flavor.
Do not overcrowd the pan; leave a little space around the shape.
Check the bread at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

variation (if any)

Add small pepperoni or cooked bacon inside for more flavor.
Mix shredded cheddar with mozzarella for a sharper taste.
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top after baking.
Use garlic powder in the butter for a milder garlic note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A: Yes. Store-bought dough works well and saves time.

Q: What cheese is best inside?
A: Mozzarella string cheese is easy and melts well. You can use small mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella too.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the filled balls and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Or freeze then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Q: How do I keep the bread balls from opening while baking?
A: Press seams firmly and pinch edges closed. A small dab of water helps seal dough.

Conclusion

This recipe is a simple, fun snack for a party or game day. For another stuffed garlic bread idea you can compare techniques with this cheesy stuffed garlic bread rolls, and if you want a bacon and cheese pull-apart shaped like a football, see this Bacon and Cheese Garlic Bread Pull-Apart Football for more inspiration.