A golden, soft pull-apart loaf loaded with melty cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs. This irresistible bread is the perfect shareable side for pasta, soup, or grilled meats—and it doubles as a delicious appetizer for gatherings. With layers of fluffy dough, gooey cheese, and fragrant herbs, every bite is warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor. Its pull-apart format makes it a fun and interactive dish for sharing, while the homemade dough ensures a soft, tender crumb. The rich garlic herb butter and generous mozzarella filling create a savory, indulgent experience with minimal effort. This bread is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress with homemade baked goods.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or chives, chopped
• Salt to taste

directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, warm water, and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Meanwhile, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil (or chives), and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
6. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Brush the entire surface with the garlic herb butter, reserving a little for the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered dough.
9. Slice the dough into small rectangles and stack them vertically into a greased loaf pan.
10. Cover and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Brush the top of the loaf with any remaining garlic herb butter.
13. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbling.
14. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf, serving approximately 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Blend: Use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for deeper flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a hint of heat.
• Stuffed Version: Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the layers for an extra indulgent twist.
• Shortcut Dough: Use store-bought pizza dough to save time.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the dough and make smaller pull-apart loaves for individual servings.

storage/reheating

Store leftover bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. For a crispier texture, remove the foil for the final few minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the bread to become chewy.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, freeze after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a more even texture.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be deeply golden brown and the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).

What type of herbs work best?

Parsley, basil, and chives are excellent choices. You can also use oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the minced garlic.

Do I have to use a loaf pan?

A loaf pan works best for the vertical stacking method, but a round cake pan can also be used for a pull-apart ring.

Is this bread spicy?

No, it’s mild. You can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or jalapeños.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes, try adding grated Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread is a deliciously satisfying recipe that blends homemade comfort with rich, savory flavors. The fluffy dough, aromatic garlic butter, and melty cheese make this bread a guaranteed favorite at any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or snack, it’s sure to be pulled apart and devoured in minutes.

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