If you are looking for a show-stopping snack or a cozy addition to any meal, this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of soft, fluffy bread infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, melted cheeses oozing out with every pull, and a golden crust that beckons you to take just one more bite. This recipe combines simple pantry staples to create an irresistible loaf that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re sharing it with family or serving guests, this pull-apart bread is comfort food elevated to an art form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. Each component plays a vital role: from the yeast that brings the dough to life, to the herbs that add a burst of freshness, and the combination of cheeses that deliver melty goodness.
- 500g plain flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and the perfect chew.
- ½ tbsp dried yeast granules: Activates the dough to rise and become fluffy.
- ½ tbsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the bread.
- ½ tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ½ tsp bread improver: Boosts the dough’s elasticity and keeps the crumb tender.
- 325ml water (room temperature): Hydrates the flour, ensuring the dough comes together smoothly.
- ½ tbsp olive oil: Added during kneading for softness and a bit of richness.
- 1 garlic clove, crushed: Infuses the bread with a gentle warmth and signature garlic flavor.
- â…“ cup chopped parsley: Brings a bright, fresh note to the herb mix.
- â…“ cup chopped basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer that complements the cheese.
- ¼ cup chopped rosemary leaves: Provides a piney, fragrant depth to the herb blend.
- 1 tbsp butter: Rubbed on the dough layers to keep the bread moist and buttery.
- 200g grated Philly and tasty cheese: The cheesy filling that melts perfectly to create gooey pockets in every bite.
How to Make Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by mixing the plain flour, dried yeast, salt, sugar, and bread improver in a large bowl. Gradually incorporate the room temperature water, adding half at first to control the moisture, and then the rest to bring the mixture together into a soft ball. This step is key because a well-hydrated dough leads to a tender crumb.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface to prevent sticking, then add the olive oil. Knead with your hands until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour in small amounts. Good kneading ensures the gluten develops, giving you that delightful chewiness.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough back into the bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then drape a tea towel over the top to keep it warm. Let the dough rest in a cozy spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise is where the yeast works its magic, creating airy pockets that make this pull-apart bread irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Once your dough has risen beautifully, give it a gentle punch-down to release excess air. Cut the dough in half, rolling each piece into a 50cm by 25cm rectangle. Spread half a tablespoon of softened butter evenly over each rectangle, then sprinkle over the crushed garlic, chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, and generous handfuls of the grated cheeses. These layers are what make the bread sing with flavor as it bakes.
Step 5: Cut and Stack
Use a sharp knife to slice each dough rectangle into strips that match the height of your loaf tins. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut them into squares the width of the loaf tins. Grease or line your tins, then place the squares sideways into them, carefully stacking to create layers. Cover again and let the bread proof for 30 minutes; this second rise ensures incredible fluffiness and those signature pull-apart sections.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 190°C. Remove the plastic wrap from your loaf tins, then pop them in the oven for approximately 55 minutes. The bread is done when it turns a gorgeous golden brown on top and has a rich aroma of herbs and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen. Once baked, let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes — but don’t wait too long before digging in because this bread is best warm and gooey.
How to Serve Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To keep things visually stunning and add a little fresh punch, sprinkle a few extra chopped herbs like parsley or basil over the warm bread just before serving. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter on top to enhance the shine and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or salads, especially rich, tomato-based dishes or vibrant green salads. It also serves perfectly alongside a cheese platter or dips like spinach artichoke or roasted red pepper hummus to complement all those savory herb and cheese notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe in a large round basket lined with a colorful napkin for a rustic look or slice it into individual pull-apart cubes on a wooden board for a party appetizer. You could even toss leftover cubes into a salad or make a decadent bread pudding the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that might be tough!), wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 2 days, maintaining that soft, cheesy goodness.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the bread or freeze whole loaves in airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When wrapped well, it keeps its quality for up to 3 months. Freezing is a lifesaver when you want to prepare ahead or enjoy later.
Reheating
For reheating, unwrap the bread and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the crust and melts the cheese perfectly again so it tastes almost as good as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh yeast instead of dried yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dried yeast at about three times the quantity by weight, but make sure to dissolve it in water first and adjust rising times as needed.
What types of cheese work best in the Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe?
This recipe uses a mix of Philly and tasty cheese, but you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a bit of parmesan for different flavors and melting qualities.
Can I prepare the dough in a bread machine?
Absolutely! Use your bread machine’s dough cycle to knead and rise the dough, then proceed with shaping and baking as directed for best results.
Is it possible to add other herbs to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in fresh thyme, oregano, or chives according to your taste. The herb blend is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.
How long should I let the bread cool before serving?
While the bread is best enjoyed warm, letting it cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps the cheese set slightly to avoid it being overly runny and messy to pull apart.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about pulling apart soft, cheesy, and herb-filled bread with your hands, and this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, warming both the heart and the belly. I encourage you to give it a go—you will be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can transform into something this unforgettable. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (serves 2-4)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread recipe is a flavorful and interactive bread that’s perfect for sharing. Soft, cheesy, and infused with fresh herbs and garlic, it’s baked to a golden perfection with pull-apart pieces that make it both fun and delicious to eat. Ideal as a savory snack, side dish, or appetizer, this bread combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 500g plain flour
- ½ tbsp dried yeast granules
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp bread improver
- 325ml water (room temperature)
- ½ tbsp olive oil
Filling and Topping
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- â…“ cup chopped parsley
- â…“ cup chopped basil
- ¼ cup chopped rosemary leaves
- 1 tbsp butter
- 200g grated Philly and tasty cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, dried yeast, salt, sugar, and bread improver. Add half of the water and mix, gradually incorporating the remaining water until the ingredients come together to form a dough ball.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, add the olive oil, and knead it well until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a tea towel, then let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a rectangle approximately 50cm by 25cm in size. Spread ½ tbsp butter over each rectangle, then evenly sprinkle the crushed garlic, chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, and grated cheese over the surface.
- Cut and Stack: Cut each rectangle into strips matching the height of your loaf tins. Stack these strips on top of each other, then cut them into squares the width of the loaf tins. Grease or line your loaf tins, and arrange the squares vertically, stacked side by side. Cover the tins and allow the dough to proof for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Remove the plastic wrap from the loaf tins and bake the bread for about 55 minutes or until the loaves turn golden brown. Let the bread cool in the tins for 10 minutes before serving it warm for the best pull-apart experience.
Notes
- Ensure your water is at room temperature to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you don’t have bread improver, you can omit it, but it helps with dough elasticity and rise.
- Feel free to substitute the herbs with your favorite fresh or dried herbs for variation.
- Use a good melting cheese like mozzarella or a blend to achieve the perfect gooey texture.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling it apart to prevent the cheese from burning your fingers.
