From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread! This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience. Imagine layers of soft, homemade dough, slathered with garlic butter and oozing with melted cheese. Baked to a perfect golden brown, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make.2.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Taste: The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese is a match made in heaven246.
• Texture: Soft, pillowy dough with a crisp, golden crust2.
• Fun to Eat: Pulling apart each piece and savoring the cheesy, garlicky goodness is so satisfying67.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like the taste of homemade bread, and this recipe makes it easy and approachable4.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes2
• Cook Time: 45 minutes2
• Rising Time: 2 hours 15 minutes2
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes2
• Serving Size: Varies, but easily serves 6-8 people

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour2
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar2
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast24
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt2
• ¾ cup (184g) whole milk, warmed to 105°F to 115°F2
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened2

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened2
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced127
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish12
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt12
• 1 cup (113g) mozzarella cheese, shredded12
• ½ cup (56.5g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded12

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted2
• Kosher salt, for garnish2

Let’s Get Baking! Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt2.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, mix in the warm milk and softened butter until just combined2.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add flour until it reaches the desired consistency2.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour and 30 minutes2.

Prepare the Delicious Filling

1. Make Garlic Butter: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside2.
2. Grate the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Set aside2.

Assembling Your Pull-Apart Bread

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)3.
2. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces4.
3. Shape the Pieces: Flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle. Don’t worry about making them perfect4.
4. Add Filling: Spread garlic herb butter on top of each circle, then sprinkle with the cheese mixture4.
5. Fold and Arrange: Fold the circles in half and arrange them upright in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan4.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 40 minutes, or until the rolls have nearly doubled in volume3.
7. Bake to Perfection: Brush the top with melted butter and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown2.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, brush with additional melted butter, sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh parsley2.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer: Perfect for parties and gatherings168.
• Side Dish: Pairs well with pasta, soups, and salads1.
• Snack: Enjoy warm, right out of the oven1.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of marinara, balsamic dipping sauce, or garlic aioli8.

Tips for Customization

• Cheese: Use any cheese you like – provolone, Gruyere, or Parmesan would all be delicious12.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano4.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat3.
• Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: For an even more intense garlic flavor, use roasted garlic in the butter5.

How to Store

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

• Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought biscuit dough works great1.

Can I make this ahead of time?

• You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

How do I prevent the bread from getting too brown?

• If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Can I add other toppings?

• Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions would be fantastic additions.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 350-400 per serving
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 10-12g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.