pull apart bread recipe
The Best pull apart bread recipe
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how it brings everyone together. There’s something about pulling apart warm bread that makes people slow down and actually talk instead of just eating and running off. It’s also a great way to sneak in some whole grains or even add a little extra nutrition with things like shredded cheese or herbs. And let’s be real, any recipe that gets my picky eaters to actually enjoy their food is a winner in my book. It’s not fancy, but it’s always a hit, and that’s what makes it a staple in our kitchen.
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
A warm, gooey, and irresistible pull-apart bread loaded with garlic butter and melted cheese. Perfect for sharing with friends or as a side dish for any meal.
🥘Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. -
2
Add flour, salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. -
3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. -
4
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
5
Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. -
6
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over the dough. -
7
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic butter. -
8
Cut the dough into 1-inch squares (or desired size) using a pizza cutter or knife. -
9
Transfer the dough squares to the prepared baking dish, stacking them slightly to create layers. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes. -
10
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. -
11
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart and enjoy!
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Oven
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
1. Can I make pull apart bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, take it out, shape it, and let it rise at room temperature before baking. You can also bake the bread in advance and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
2. What kind of cheese works best for pull apart bread?
Mozzarella is the most popular choice because it melts beautifully and creates those delicious, stretchy strings. However, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors. For extra richness, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère.
3. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza or bread dough works well for pull apart bread. Just follow the package instructions for rising, then shape and fill the dough as directed in the recipe. This is a great time-saver if you’re short on time.
4. How do I prevent the bread from burning on the outside before the inside is cooked?
If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil after the first 15-20 minutes of baking. This will allow the inside to cook through without over-browning the crust. Also, make sure your oven is preheated properly to ensure even baking.
5. Can I make pull apart bread without cheese?
Yes! You can make a delicious savory version with herbs, garlic butter, or even pesto. For a sweet option, try filling the bread with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or jam. The key is to ensure the filling is evenly distributed so every bite is flavorful.