Game day snacks are serious business in my house, and this cheesy football pull-apart bread is always the MVP. It’s warm, buttery, and loaded with gooey melted cheese that makes it impossible to resist. Plus, shaping it like a football makes it perfect for Super Bowl parties, tailgates or any football-themed get-together.

If you want a snack that disappears before halftime, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Football Bread

  • Easy to make – No fancy kitchen skills needed
  • Perfect for sharing – Everyone can grab a piece
  • Crowd-pleaser – The mix of garlic, butter, and cheese is unbeatable
  • Football-shaped fun – Extra festive for game day spreads

Cheesy Football Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 large round loaf of sourdough or Italian bread
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • White cheese strips or sliced mozzarella (for football “laces”)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread

  • Place your bread on a cutting board.
  • Use a sharp bread knife to cut crisscross slices into the loaf, but don’t cut all the way through. You want little cubes that stay attached at the bottom.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

  • In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
  • Use a spoon to drizzle the mixture into all the cuts of the bread so every bite is buttery and flavorful.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese

  • Combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
  • Carefully tuck the cheese into each cut of the bread. Don’t be shy—more cheese equals more yum.

Step 4: Bake Until Gooey

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • Place the loaf on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Add the Football Laces

  • Once baked, place thin strips of mozzarella or white cheese across the top to look like football laces.
  • Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Tips for the Perfect Pull-Apart Bread

  • Use sourdough or Italian bread for the best texture.
  • Swap in pepper jack or Colby for extra flavor.
  • Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.

Pair It With These Game Day Favorites

Final Thoughts

This cheesy football bread is the ultimate game day appetizer—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with buttery garlic flavor. It’s the kind of snack that has everyone gathered around the table before kickoff.

If you’re hosting a watch party or tailgate, add this recipe to your lineup. Trust me, you’ll score major points.