Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Ring

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Bundt pan or round baking pan
• Pastry brush
• Clean kitchen towel
• Small bowl
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Garlic Butter

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Filling

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

For the Topping

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• A pinch of Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Start by combining the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy. This step helps ensure that the yeast is active.
2. Add the melted butter and egg, then stir gently to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 6–8 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels extremely sticky, add a little flour at a time, but avoid adding too much because this can make the finished bread dense.
4. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Garlic Butter

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
3. This simple mixture gives the bread its signature buttery garlic flavor and helps create a beautifully golden crust.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. Combine the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and softened cream cheese in another bowl.
2. Mozzarella provides that irresistible stretchy cheese texture, while cheddar adds extra flavor and Parmesan brings a delicious savory finish. The small amount of cream cheese helps bind everything together and makes the filling rich and creamy.

4. Shape the Bread Ring

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release excess air.
2. Divide the dough into approximately 18–20 small, equal-sized pieces. Flatten each piece slightly with your fingers or a rolling pin.
3. Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each piece. Carefully bring the dough around the filling and pinch the edges together to create a sealed dough ball.
4. Brush each stuffed dough ball generously with the prepared garlic butter.
5. Grease a Bundt pan or round baking pan. Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a circular ring, placing them close together but without crushing them.

5. Add the Final Topping

1. Brush the remaining garlic butter over the top of the bread ring.
2. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a little Italian seasoning. For an extra cheesy finish, you can add a small amount of mozzarella over the top.
3. Let the shaped bread rest for another 10–15 minutes while you preheat the oven.

6. Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Bake the bread ring for approximately 25–30 minutes , or until the surface is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
3. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
4. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the top with a little melted butter for an extra glossy, buttery finish.
5. Allow it to cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the melted cheese to settle while keeping the bread warm and delicious.

Nutrition

Calories: 285 kcal · Protein: 10 g · Fat: 14 g · Carbohydrates: 30 g · Saturated Fat: 8 g · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 2 g · Sodium: 430 mg