Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

by

This Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread is a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying loaf perfect for sharing. It’s made by layering a simple dough with a flavorful mixture of melted butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese, creating a pull-apart texture that’s both fun and delicious. The golden brown crust and gooey, cheesy interior make this bread an irresistible addition to any meal or gathering.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast  
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted  
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of cheeses)

For Topping (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Instructions:

Dough:

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a smooth and elastic dough forms. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.  

Filling and Assembly:

  1. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  3. Divide Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and divide it into 16-20 equal pieces.
  4. Assemble Loaf: Roll each piece of dough into a small rectangle (about 4×6 inches). Brush with the butter-herb mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  5. Layer: Stack the dough rectangles on top of each other, then cut the stack into 4-5 strips.
  6. Place in Pan: Carefully place the strips vertically into the prepared loaf pan, creating a layered loaf.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
  8. Bake: Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter (if using) and sprinkle with chopped thyme (if using). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool slightly.
  10. Serve: Serve the Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread warm.

Tips and Notes:

  • Yeast Activation: Ensure the water is warm enough (105-115°F/40-46°C) to activate the yeast. Too hot water will kill the yeast.
  • Kneading: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for a soft and fluffy loaf.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like Gruyere, cheddar, or provolone.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, chives, or basil.
  • Make Ahead: 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 shaping and baking.  
  • Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Enjoy this warm and cheesy pull-apart bread with friends and family!

Leave a Comment