Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is a delightful, shareable bread that combines the rich flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese. This savory bread is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a centerpiece for gatherings, offering a warm and comforting experience in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shareable Delight: Designed for communal enjoyment, making it ideal for parties and family dinners.
Flavorful Layers: Each piece is infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese, ensuring consistent taste throughout.
Versatile Pairing: Complements a variety of dishes, from soups to salads.
Aromatic Appeal: The baking process fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Tip by Elsa: “For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of truffle oil before baking.”

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water
Sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh rosemary, chopped
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast over the top, and let it sit until frothy. Add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped herbs.
Assemble the Bread: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, brush with the garlic herb butter, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cut into squares and stack them in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the assembled dough and let it rise again until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven and bake the bread until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Pull apart pieces and enjoy.

Tip by Elsa: “Ensure the dough is not too sticky or too dry; the right consistency is key to achieving a fluffy texture.”

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Herb Mix: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or basil to suit your taste.
Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Tip by Elsa: “Using a combination of cheeses can add depth to the flavor; try mixing sharp and mild cheeses.”

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore freshness.

Tip by Elsa: “Avoid microwaving to maintain the bread’s texture; reheating in the oven yields the best results.”

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough can be used to save time, though homemade dough offers a fresher taste.

What type of bread pan is best?

A standard loaf pan works well, but a bundt pan can create an attractive presentation.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Is it possible to freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw and proceed with assembly and baking.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the pan is well-greased, and consider lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I add meat to the bread?

Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon or pepperoni slices can be added for a heartier version.

What dipping sauces pair well with this bread?

Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter sauces complement the flavors nicely.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast breads, and adjust liquid as needed.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use them sparingly, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Conclusion

Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Its combination of aromatic herbs, rich cheese, and soft bread makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside your favorite dishes, this bread is a delightful treat for all occasions.

Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

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Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is a warm, shareable bread layered with savory garlic, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or centerpiece for gatherings.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast over it, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and rosemary.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Brush with the garlic herb butter and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cut the dough into squares and stack them, placing the stacks vertically into a greased loaf pan.
Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving. Pull apart and enjoy warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle truffle oil before baking.
Use parchment paper in the pan for easier removal.
Mix sharp and mild cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Use dried herbs sparingly if substituting for fresh.