Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread

Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread is a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect as a side for any meal. This recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese in a delightful pull-apart style bread.

Why Make This Recipe

This bread is not only delicious but also fun to eat, with each piece easily torn off for sharing. It’s a great addition to dinner parties or family gatherings, adding a savory twist to your table.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread

Ingredients

• Dough
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110 to 115°F)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Garlic Herb Butter
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • Pinch of salt
• Cheese and Topping
  • 1 cup finely shredded Cheddar Jack cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine sugar and yeast. Pour warm water over the sugar mixture and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, mix flour and salt until combined. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the center of the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix on low speed with the dough hook until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 10 to 15 minutes, adding more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is smooth, soft, elastic, and only slightly sticky. Alternatively, knead the dough in the stand mixer for 5 to 7 minutes on medium speed, adding more flour as needed.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray.
6. In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Let the pieces rest for 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface, covered with a clean kitchen towel.
8. Roll out one piece of dough into a roughly 14×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread half of the butter mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with ½ cup of Cheddar Jack cheese, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper.
9. Roll up the dough from the long end into a 14-inch log. Pinch the seam to seal. Carefully slice the dough almost completely through into 1-inch rolls, ensuring they are still connected at the bottoms.
10. Transfer the rolled dough log, seam side down, to one of the prepared 8-inch pans. Arrange the log into a ring in the pan with the cut side facing up. Repeat the process with the remaining dough to form another ring in the second pan.
11. Spread or dollop the remaining butter mixture over the tops of the rolls in the pans. Cover the pans and let the dough rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
12. Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden brown.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread

Serve this bread warm from the oven. Pull apart each roll and enjoy the gooey cheese and aromatic garlic and herb flavors. It pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a standalone appetizer.

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven briefly before serving to restore its freshness.

Tips to Make Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread

• Ensure the dough is rolled tightly to maintain the swirls and structure of the pull-apart bread.
• Customize the herbs to your preference, using fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses or add-ons like chopped bacon for varied flavors.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before spreading it over the dough.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast directly with the flour.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked bread. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.

Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: The bread should be deep golden brown on top, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully baked.