Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a golden, fluffy, buttery bread packed with melted cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack, this bread is easy to share and incredibly comforting. Each bite bursts with rich flavor — crisp on the outside and soft inside.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 3 tbsp butter (softened)

• 1 egg (optional, for richness)

For the Garlic Butter Mixture:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

• 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated cheddar or parmesan (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast:
   In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Prepare Dough:
   Add flour, salt, and butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare Garlic Butter:
   In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble Bread:

   • Punch down the dough and cut it into small balls.

   • Dip each ball into the garlic butter mixture, then roll in cheese.

   • Layer the coated dough balls into a greased loaf pan or bundt pan.

5. Second Rise:
   Cover and let the dough rise for another 30–40 minutes.

6. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly on top.

7. Finish & Serve:
   Brush with extra garlic butter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Notes

• You can use store-bought biscuit dough for a quicker version.

• Add chopped jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or bacon bits for variety.

• Substitute dairy-free cheese and butter for a vegan option.

Tips

• For extra crispiness, bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes.

• Don’t overbake — it should stay soft and fluffy inside.

• Serve with marinara sauce, garlic dip, or sour cream.

Servings

• Serves: 6–8 people

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

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Health Benefits

• Calcium & Protein: From the cheese, great for bone and muscle health.

• Herbs & Garlic: Natural antioxidants that support heart and immune health.

• Homemade dough: Lower in preservatives and customizable to dietary needs.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dough in the pan, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Freeze baked bread for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Yes, try gouda, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: It likely didn’t rise enough. Ensure your yeast is active and dough rests in a warm place.