This recipe creates a soft and flavorful pull-apart garlic bread loaf. A rich garlic butter mixture is spread between slices of bread dough before baking, allowing for easy tearing and sharing. The result is a buttery, garlicky, and aromatic bread with a beautifully swirled interior and a golden-brown crust. It’s a perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or enjoyed as a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed (or homemade bread dough)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional topping: Grated Parmesan cheese, poppy seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare Dough: If using frozen bread dough, make sure it is fully thawed according to package directions. If using homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe through the first rise.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Slice the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the thawed bread dough into a rectangle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough lengthwise into about 1-inch thick strips, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the loaf (leave about 1/2 inch uncut at the base).
- Spread Garlic Butter: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously between the slices of the dough, ensuring to get down into the crevices.
- Assemble in Loaf Pan: Carefully transfer the sliced and buttered dough into the prepared loaf pan, arranging the slices upright.
- Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle the top of the loaf with grated Parmesan cheese or poppy seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pulling apart a section – it should look cooked and not doughy.
- Cool Slightly: Let the garlic bread loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, allowing everyone to easily pull apart a piece.
Tips and Notes:
- Dough Variations: You can also use pizza dough or crescent roll dough for a different texture.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to use other fresh herbs like oregano or basil.
- Cheese Variations: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese between the slices for extra cheesiness.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the loaf ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this easy and delicious pull-apart garlic bread loaf!