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

Activate Yeast:

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

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.

Prepare Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

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.

Second Rise:

Cover and let the dough rise for another 30–40 minutes.

Bake:

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

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)

Nutrient Amount

Calories ~290 kcal

Carbohydrates 32 g

Protein 9 g

Fat 14 g

Saturated Fat 8 g

Sodium 380 mg

Fiber 1 g

Sugars 3 g

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.