Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Loaf Recipe

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. Spread Garlic Butter: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously between the slices of the dough, ensuring to get down into the crevices.
  6. Assemble in Loaf Pan: Carefully transfer the sliced and buttered dough into the prepared loaf pan, arranging the slices upright.
  7. Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle the top of the loaf with grated Parmesan cheese or poppy seeds.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool Slightly: Let the garlic bread loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving.
  10. 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!

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