If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that brings warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness to the table, look no further than this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread. Imagine fluffy, golden-brown bread infused with aromatic herbs and melted cheese, perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s an experience, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for the perfect appetizer, or simply indulging in some comfort food, this bread will not disappoint.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread stands out for its combination of fresh herbs and rich flavors. The use of freshly minced garlic and a medley of herbs gives it a vibrant taste that elevates the classic pull-apart bread to something extraordinary. The gooey, melted cheese oozing from each piece makes it irresistible. Plus, the interactive nature of pulling off each piece makes it a fun and engaging dish for everyone at the table. It’s the kind of bread that brings people together, making it perfect for any gathering.
Ingredient Checklist
To make this delightful Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (500g) fresh pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (parmesan, asiago, romano)
Before You Start: Equipment
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right equipment on hand:
- Baking Sheet: A large, flat baking sheet to hold the bread.
- Mixing Bowl: For mixing the herbs and garlic with the butter.
- Spatula or Spoon: To mix the ingredients together.
- Oven: Preheated as per the recipe instructions.
Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your pizza dough is refrigerated, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Mix well until all the herbs are evenly incorporated into the butter. This aromatic mixture will bring incredible flavor to your bread.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches. Cut the dough into squares or strips, each about 2×2 inches.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
Take a square of dough and dip it into the garlic herb butter mixture, making sure to coat it well. Place a generous amount of shredded Italian cheese in the center of the dough square and fold it over, sealing it tightly. Repeat this with the remaining dough squares.
Step 5: Arrange the Dough Balls
In a greased baking sheet, arrange the filled dough balls closely together, stacking them if needed. This will create that beautiful pull-apart effect when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Brush any remaining garlic herb butter on top of the assembled dough balls. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness. This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread is best served warm, and it’s perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or enjoying on its own.
Smart Substitutions
If you want to customize your Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread, consider these substitutions:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought bread dough or even biscuit dough for a different texture.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor.
- Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried herbs but reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more potent.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese.
What I Learned Testing
During the testing of this recipe, I discovered a few key points:
- The quality of your pizza dough greatly affects the final result. Fresh dough is always preferable.
- Mixing the herbs with the butter beforehand allows for a more even distribution of flavor throughout the bread.
- Don’t rush the baking process. Allowing the bread to become golden brown ensures a delicious crunch on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
- Pairing with a dipping sauce, like marinara, enhances the overall experience and adds a delightful contrast of flavors.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
If you find yourself with leftovers (though unlikely!), here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread:
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Ask & Learn
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and will work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
What type of cheese works best?
A blend of Italian cheeses like parmesan, asiago, and romano gives the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Can I prepare this bread in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and assemble it in advance, then cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
What should I serve with this bread?
This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, pesto, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Quick Weeknight Wins
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See You at the Table
I can’t wait for you to try this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, I hope it brings joy and deliciousness to your table. This recipe is all about sharing good food and creating memories, so gather your loved ones, pull apart the pieces, and enjoy every cheesy bite together. Happy baking!
Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup parsley chopped
- 1/3 cup basil chopped
- 1/4 cup rosemary leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (parmesan, asiago, romano)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your pizza dough is refrigerated, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches. Cut the dough into squares or strips, each about 2x2 inches.
- Take a square of dough and dip it into the garlic herb butter mixture, then place a generous amount of shredded Italian cheese in the center and fold it over, sealing it tightly.
- In a greased baking sheet, arrange the filled dough balls closely together, stacking them if needed.
- Brush any remaining garlic herb butter on top of the assembled dough balls. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Oven
Notes
- Use fresh pizza dough for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling apart for easier serving.
