From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Introduction

This From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a warm, gooey, and irresistible treat perfect for sharing. Soft layers of homemade dough are packed with garlic butter and melted cheese, creating a delicious comfort food that’s easy to enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¾ cup (184 g) whole milk, warmed (105°F to 115°F)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• Kosher salt, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt.
2. Step 2: With the mixer on low speed, add the warm milk and 3 tablespoons softened butter. Mix until just combined.
3. Step 3: Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Adjust with more milk or flour if necessary.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the garlic butter by mixing ½ cup softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Set aside.
7. Step 7: Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a clean surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
9. Step 9: Flatten each piece into a 4-inch round disc and place them on the lined baking sheet.
10. Step 10: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each dough disc, then top each with the shredded cheese mixture.
11. Step 11: Stack the discs in two stacks of six, then carefully place both stacks horizontally into the prepared loaf pan, gently separating the pieces slightly.
12. Step 12: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again until almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
13. Step 13: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 325°F.
14. Step 14: Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
15. Step 15: Remove from the oven and transfer the loaf pan to a wire rack to cool slightly. Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle with kosher salt, and garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Make sure the milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast to ensure proper rising.
• For extra buttery flavor, brush the top with garlic butter halfway through baking.

Storage

Store leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crusty on the outside.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients.

Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.

From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

This From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious homemade bread featuring a soft, airy dough layered with a savory garlic butter and a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. It’s perfect for sharing and makes an irresistible appetizer or side dish with its golden crust and cheesy, garlicky layers that pull apart easily.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (serves about 8–10 people) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¾ cup (184 g) whole milk, warmed (105°F to 115°F)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Garlic Butter Filling

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Cheese Blend

• 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Finishing

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• Kosher salt, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine dry dough ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients briefly to combine.
2. Add wet ingredients and mix dough: Turn mixer to low speed, gradually add warmed whole milk (¾ cup at 105°F to 115°F) and 3 tablespoons softened butter. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
3. Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Adjust with small amounts of milk or flour if too dry or wet.
4. Let dough rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased medium bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5. Prepare garlic butter filling: While the dough is rising, combine ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Prepare cheese blend: In another bowl, combine 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Set aside.
7. Prep baking equipment: Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set both aside.
8. Divide and shape dough pieces: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a clean surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into approximately 4-inch diameter discs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Add garlic butter and cheese: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each dough disc, then sprinkle an equal portion of the shredded cheese blend on top of each disc.
10. Assemble the pull-apart loaf: Create two stacks of six cheese-topped dough discs each. Carefully place the stacks horizontally side-by-side into the prepared loaf pan. Gently separate pieces slightly to allow space for rising.
11. Second rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again in a warm area until nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
12. Preheat oven: While the dough rises for the second time, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
13. Bake the loaf: Bake the pull-apart bread in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
14. Finish and serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool slightly. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon melted butter, sprinkle with kosher salt, and garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• If the dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.
• Use warm milk between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Cover the dough with a lightly damp cloth or plastic wrap during rises to prevent drying out.
• Adjust cheese types to your preference; gouda or provolone can offer different flavors.
• Serve warm for the best pull-apart experience and fresh garlic flavor.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, pull-apart bread, homemade bread, garlic butter bread, mozzarella cheddar bread