Warm, buttery, and packed with garlic, herbs, and gooey melted cheese, this pull-apart bread is the perfect appetizer, party snack, or side for soups, pasta, and salads.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 2½–3 hours
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3¼ cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant or active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese Filling
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy (skip this step if using instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour).
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and half the flour. Mix well.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Softened butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Chives
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
In another bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
3. Assemble the Bread
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Cut the dough into 24 squares (about 3×2 inches each).
- Stack the squares into small piles, then arrange the stacks upright in the loaf pan.
4. Second Rise
- Cover loosely and let the dough rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
5. Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
6. Finish
- Brush the hot loaf with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic butter
- Tomato soup
- Pasta dishes
- Caesar salad
Tips
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon onion powder or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Mix in cooked crumbled bacon or finely chopped pepperoni for a heartier version.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before pulling it apart to help the cheese set slightly.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
This Savory Garlic & Cheese Pull-Apart Bread is irresistibly soft, buttery, and loaded with layers of melted cheese and garlic-herb flavor. It’s guaranteed to disappear quickly at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and game-day parties!