Description
This Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread is a delightful, buttery, and savory treat, perfect for sharing. Soft, freshly baked bread is rolled with a rich mixture of herbs, garlic, and cheeses, then sliced and baked into pull-apart rings. It’s an ideal appetizer or side for any meal, offering a comforting blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Butter Herb Cheese Spread
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Pinch salt
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (finely shredded, divided)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine sugar and yeast. Pour warm water over the mixture and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the center of the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead dough by hand on a floured surface for 10 to 15 minutes, adding flour as necessary until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer to knead for 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Shape Dough and Add Filling: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two pieces. Let rest for 5 minutes covered. Roll one piece into a 14x8-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of the herb butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with half a cup of cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper. Roll up the dough from the long side into a 14-inch log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice Dough Log: Place the log seam-side down and carefully slice nearly all the way through into 1-inch rolls, keeping the bottom intact so the rolls stay connected.
- Arrange and Repeat: Transfer the log carefully into one prepared pan, arranging it into a ring with rolls facing up. Repeat with the second piece of dough in the other pan.
- Final Butter Topping and Rest: Spread or dollop the remaining herb butter over the tops of the rolls in both pans. Cover pans and let the dough rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is deep golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is between 110 to 115°F to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda.
- Be careful not to cut the dough log all the way through so the rolls remain connected for easy pulling apart.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Use softened butter for the herb mixture for easy spreading.
- Serve warm for the best gooey, cheesy pull-apart experience.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
