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Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a deliciously soft, buttery bread infused with fresh garlic and parsley, layered with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for sharing as a savory appetizer or snack.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110 to 115°F)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Butter Mixture

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • Pinch salt

Cheese Filling

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (finely shredded, divided)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and yeast. Pour the warm water over the mixture and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the yeast smells fragrant.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour and salt.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the center of the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or on low speed just until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes, adding flour 1 tablespoon at a time as needed, until smooth, soft, elastic, and only slightly tacky; or knead in the stand mixer on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes, adjusting with small additions of flour until the dough is supple and smooth.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  7. Deflate and Rest Dough: Gently punch down the dough to deflate it. Divide into 2 equal portions, place on a lightly floured surface, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
  8. Roll Dough: Working with one portion at a time, roll the dough into a 14×8-inch rectangle.
  9. Layer Garlic Butter and Cheese: Spread 2 tablespoons of the garlic-butter mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and a light dusting of black pepper.
  10. Form Roll: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight 14-inch log and pinch the seam to seal.
  11. Slice Log: Place the log seam-side down. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch sections, cutting almost all the way through but keeping the rolls connected at the base. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray.
  12. Arrange Rolls: Carefully lift the log and transfer it to one of the prepared pans, arranging it into a ring with cut sides facing upward. Repeat with the remaining dough for the second pan.
  13. Top Rolls: Spread or brush the remaining garlic-butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
  14. Second Rise: Cover the pans and let the dough rest 15 to 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
  15. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are deeply golden and cheese is bubbling at the edges.
  16. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool briefly before serving to enjoy the cheesy, garlicky pull-apart goodness.

Notes

  • Ensure water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Add flour gradually when kneading to achieve the right dough texture; dough should be soft but not sticky.
  • You can customize the cheese blend with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors and meltiness.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
  • Letting the dough rest after shaping helps to relax it, making slicing easier without squishing.
  • Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; keep an eye on the tops for a golden brown finish.