Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread – Soft Homemade Bread Recipe

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl: Combines the dough ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient proportions.
• Electric mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading easier, although hand kneading also works.
• Rolling pin: Helps flatten the dough into an even rectangle.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Cuts the dough into manageable sections.
• Pastry brush: Spreads garlic butter evenly.
• Loaf pan: Holds the assembled bread while it bakes.
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel: Covers the dough during rising.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows the finished loaf to cool evenly.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cheesy Garlic Filling

• 1½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra Parmesan cheese
• A small pinch of garlic powder, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the instant yeast and granulated sugar, then stir gently to combine.
3. Allow the mixture to stand for approximately 5 minutes. It may develop a light foamy appearance, especially if using active dry yeast.
4. Make sure the milk is warm rather than hot because excessive heat can prevent the yeast from working properly.

Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients

1. Add the egg, softened butter, salt, and approximately 2½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
2. Stir using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a rough dough begins to form.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and easy to handle.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead by hand for approximately 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes on medium-low speed.
3. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and stretchy.
4. If it feels extremely sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much because this can make the finished bread dense.

Step 4: Allow the Dough to Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with a little oil or butter.
2. Place the dough inside and turn it once so the surface is lightly coated.
3. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
4. Leave it in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5. The exact rising time depends on the temperature of your kitchen.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

1. While the dough rises, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl.
2. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper.
3. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before spreading it over the dough.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese

1. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
2. Toss gently to distribute the cheeses evenly.
3. Reserve a small handful of cheese for sprinkling over the top of the loaf before baking.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently press it down to release excess air.
2. Transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
3. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 12 × 16 inches, keeping the thickness relatively even.
4. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.

Step 8: Add the Garlic Butter and Cheese

1. Spread the prepared garlic herb butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
2. Leave a small border around the edges to help prevent excessive filling from spilling out.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan mixture over the garlic butter.
4. Distribute the cheese evenly so every section has a delicious cheesy filling.

Step 9: Cut and Arrange the Dough

1. Cut the dough into approximately 6–8 equal rectangular sections, depending on the size of your loaf pan.
2. Stack the sections gently, then arrange them upright or slightly overlapping in a greased 9 × 5-inch loaf pan.
3. The sections should fit comfortably without being packed too tightly.
4. This arrangement creates the layered, pull-apart appearance of the finished bread.

Step 10: Allow a Second Rise

1. Cover the loaf pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Allow the assembled dough to rise for another 20–30 minutes, until puffy.
3. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
4. The dough should look noticeably fuller but should not rise excessively over the edges of the pan.

Step 11: Add the Topping

1. Brush the top of the dough with a little melted butter.
2. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan over the surface.
3. Add a little fresh parsley and a light dusting of garlic powder if desired.
4. This creates the golden, cheesy herb topping that makes the bread so attractive.

Step 12: Bake Until Golden

1. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes , until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
3. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes.
4. For extra accuracy, the center of the bread should reach approximately 190°F (88°C).

Step 13: Brush with Extra Garlic Butter

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Brush the warm top with a little extra melted butter mixed with fresh parsley.
3. The butter adds shine and enhances the garlic herb aroma.

Step 14: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for another 10 minutes before carefully removing it.
2. Transfer to a serving board or plate.
3. Pull apart the soft, cheesy sections while the bread is still warm, or slice it into thick pieces.
4. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, creamy garlic dip, tomato soup, or your favorite main dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 280–340 · Protein: 10–13 g · Fat: 12–16 g · Carbohydrates: 34–40 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 7–9 g · Fiber: 1–2 g Net · Sugar: 3–5 g · Sodium: 350–480 mg