Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe with Crispy Golden Crust

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Ruby Bennett
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

This garlic herb cheese pull apart bread is a favorite for its simple preparation, offering a tasty treat that brings people together with minimal effort. Imagine pulling warm, cheesy pieces from a golden loaf, filled with the fresh taste of herbs and garlic that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe fits right into your routine, delivering joy and flavor without overwhelming complexity.

One standout feature is how it combines ease with delicious results, perfect for busy days when you want something homemade yet quick. The recipe uses everyday ingredients that create a bread packed with savory goodness, appealing to home cooks and baking enthusiasts alike. You’ll find it versatile for family meals or gatherings, making it a go-to option for creating memorable moments.

  • Ease of preparation: This garlic herb cheese pull apart bread recipe is simple and quick, requiring minimal ingredients and steps which make it ideal for busy cooks. The quick cooking time ensures you can enjoy a delicious homemade treat without hours spent in the kitchen.
  • Health benefits: Packed with herbs and moderate cheese portions, this pull apart bread offers nutritional advantages such as antioxidants from fresh herbs and protein from cheese, supporting wellness with balanced indulgence. For more on garlic’s perks, check out this useful resource on health benefits of garlic.
  • Versatility: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs, this recipe can be modified using vegan cheeses, gluten-free breads, or low-calorie ingredients to cater to different preferences and restrictions while maintaining flavor.
  • Distinctive flavor: The combination of savory garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese creates a unique and irresistible taste profile, making this pull apart bread a standout dish perfect for any meal or snack.

Each element works together to make this bread not just food, but an experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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Essential Ingredients for Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this garlic herb cheese pull apart bread turn out just right. This recipe focuses on fresh, simple items that blend perfectly for a tasty result. Below is a complete list of everything you need, based on the precise measurements to ensure success in your kitchen.

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110 to 115°F)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup softened unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • A pinch of salt
  • ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese (for each rectangle)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for each rectangle)
  • Ground black pepper to taste

This structured list covers all essential items, making it easy to measure and prepare. For those with special needs, options like vegan substitutes keep the bread adaptable.

How to Prepare the Perfect Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this garlic herb cheese pull apart bread starts with basic steps that lead to a warm, flavorful loaf. Begin by mixing your ingredients to form the dough, ensuring everything combines smoothly for the best texture. This guide walks you through each part, from rising to baking, for a rewarding result.

First, dissolve 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (110 to 115°F) until it becomes foamy, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, add this yeast mixture to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes by hand or 5 to 7 minutes with a mixer until it feels smooth and elastic.

After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. For the garlic herb butter, combine ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Shaping and Filling the Dough

Roll each part into a 14×8-inch rectangle and spread 2 tablespoons of the garlic herb butter on each. Sprinkle each with ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and ground black pepper to taste. Roll the rectangles into 14-inch logs, seal the edges, and slice almost through into 1-inch sections, keeping the bottoms connected.

Arrange the sections cut side up in greased 8-inch round cake pans to form rings. Brush the remaining garlic butter on top, cover, and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly puffy. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and the cheese bubbles.

Finishing Touches

Let the bread cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving warm. For dietary adaptations, swap ingredients as needed, like using gluten-free flour. This method ensures a crispy golden crust that pulls apart easily, as shared in our guide on baking tips for beginners.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

Making this garlic herb cheese pull apart bread your own is simple with a few tweaks. Whether you’re vegan or watching calories, adjustments keep the flavor intact while meeting your needs. Start by considering alternatives for the main components to fit different lifestyles.

  • Protein and Main Component Alternatives: Vegan cheeses such as cashew-based or soy cheese can replace traditional dairy cheese. For gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free bread loaves or alternative bread bases. Low-fat cheese and unsweetened plant-based butters help reduce calories while keeping flavor intact.
  • Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications: Substitute or add vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers for varied texture and flavor. Incorporate alternative sauces such as pesto, tomato sauce, or dairy-free garlic spread to suit different taste profiles. Adjust seasoning with smoked paprika, chili flakes, or fresh basil to customize the aromatic appeal and spice level.

For more on cheese options, explore nutritional benefits of cheese, which can guide your choices.

Mastering Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your garlic herb cheese pull apart bread to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. For instance, use fresh herbs from your garden and lightly toast the bread before slicing to boost aroma and texture. Nutritional information per serving includes 231 calories, 23g carbohydrates, 6g protein, 13g fat (7g saturated), 31mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 1g fiber, and 101mg calcium, helping you make informed decisions.

Tips for Best ResultsDetails
Ensure dough doubles in sizeFocus on the rise rather than exact time for perfect texture.
Keep bottom connected when slicingMaintain the ¼-inch at the bottom to hold the shape.
Finely grate cheeseAllows for even melting and better flavor distribution.
Rest before servingLet it sit 5 to 10 minutes for easy pulling apart.

Flavor variations include experimenting with cheese blends like gouda or adding spices for a unique twist. The dough can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 8 hours, then rise before baking, and leftovers can be wrapped and reheated in the oven for the best texture.

How to Store Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread: Best Practices

Keeping your garlic herb cheese pull apart bread fresh is as important as baking it. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 3-4 days to maintain that crispy edge. Freezing works well too, wrapping the bread securely to avoid freezer burn for up to 2 months.

When reheating, warm the bread in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back its original crispiness and melted cheese goodness.

Meal prep ideas include making multiple loaves ahead and freezing them, so you always have this treat ready on busy days.

Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

How do you serve garlic herb cheese pull-apart bread?

Garlic herb cheese pull-apart bread is best served warm and shared among guests. Place the bread in the center of the table and let everyone pull off pieces as they like. It pairs especially well with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or as an appetizer with dips like marinara or spinach artichoke. Serving it fresh from the oven maximizes the gooey cheese and soft garlic bread experience.

What cheeses work best for garlic herb cheese pull-apart bread?

The best cheeses for pull-apart bread are those that melt smoothly and offer good flavor. Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack are popular choices due to their meltability and taste. Adding grated Parmesan provides a salty, savory depth. For optimal melting, grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can prevent smooth melting.

Can I freeze garlic herb cheese pull-apart bread for later?

Yes, you can freeze garlic herb cheese pull-apart bread. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, unwrap and heat the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melted.

How do I reheat garlic herb cheese pull-apart bread without making it dry?

To keep the bread soft and cheesy, reheat it wrapped in aluminum foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This method traps moisture and prevents the bread from drying out. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the bread tough and rubbery by drying out the yeast-based dough.

What herbs and garlic options enhance the flavor of the pull-apart bread?

Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme complement the garlic and cheese flavors beautifully in pull-apart bread. Minced fresh garlic or roasted garlic cloves add a rich, mellow taste, while garlic powder can be used for a milder flavor. Mixing fresh herbs into softened butter before spreading on the bread ensures even flavor distribution and a fragrant, flavorful pull-apart loaf.
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Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

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🥖 Experience the irresistible pull-apart texture combined with a crispy, golden crust and cheesy garlic flavor.
🧄 This bread makes a perfect appetizer or side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

– 1 cup warm water (110 to 115°F)

– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– ½ cup softened unsalted butter

– 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

– 2 teaspoons minced garlic

– A pinch of salt

– ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese for each rectangle

– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for each rectangle

– Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1-First: dissolve 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (110 to 115°F) until it becomes foamy, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

2-Then, add this yeast mixture to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.

3-Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes by hand or 5 to 7 minutes with a mixer until it feels smooth and elastic.

4-After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5-For the garlic herb butter, combine ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

6-Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts and let them rest for 5 minutes.

7-Roll each part into a 14×8-inch rectangle and spread 2 tablespoons of the garlic herb butter on each.

8-Sprinkle each with ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and ground black pepper to taste.

9-Roll the rectangles into 14-inch logs, seal the edges, and slice almost through into 1-inch sections, keeping the bottoms connected.

10-Arrange the sections cut side up in greased 8-inch round cake pans to form rings.

11-Brush the remaining garlic butter on top, cover, and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly puffy.

12-Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and the cheese bubbles.

13-Let the bread cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving warm.

Last Step:

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Notes

⏲️ Focus on dough doubling in size rather than strict timing for best results.
🍴 Keep bottom 1/4 inch connected when slicing to maintain ring shape.
🧀 Finely grate cheeses for even melting and texture.
🥖 Rest bread for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier pulling.
❄️ Dough can be refrigerated fully assembled for up to 8 hours and allowed to rise before baking.
♻️ Reheat leftovers wrapped in foil in the oven for best texture.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 231 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 291 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg

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