If you have been on the lookout for a show-stopping, irresistibly delicious bread to wow your friends and family, this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, pillowy layers of bread infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, generously loaded with melty cheese that stretches with every pull. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings where everyone can share in the joy of pulling apart warm, aromatic pieces of pure yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the robust herbs that perfume the bread, to the blend of cheeses that create gooey pockets of deliciousness, these essentials come together with pure simplicity.
- 500g plain flour: The sturdy foundation to give the bread its soft but structured crumb.
- ½ tbsp dried yeast granules: Essential for making the dough rise and become wonderfully airy.
- ½ tbsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the bread’s taste without overpowering.
- ½ tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough proof beautifully while adding a subtle sweetness.
- ½ tsp bread improver: Optional magic that gives the bread a softer texture and better shelf life.
- 325ml water (room temperature): Activates the yeast and binds the dough ingredients together.
- ½ tbsp olive oil: Adds softness and richness, keeping the bread tender.
- 1 garlic clove, crushed: Delivers that classic, warming garlic punch throughout the loaf.
- â…“ cup chopped parsley: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness to every bite.
- â…“ cup chopped basil: Lends a sweet, slightly peppery depth.
- ¼ cup chopped rosemary leaves: Offers piney, woody notes that complement the cheese beautifully.
- 1 tbsp butter: Coats the layers for richness and helps the herbs and garlic adhere perfectly.
- 200g grated Philly and tasty cheese: The star ingredient that melts into luscious pockets, making each pull utterly addictive.
How to Make Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough
Start by mixing your plain flour, dried yeast granules, salt, sugar, and bread improver in a large bowl. Begin adding half the water, stirring to bring it together, then slowly pour in the remaining water until a rough ball forms. This step is where the magic begins — watching these humble ingredients start to transform into dough is so satisfying.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Transfer your dough to a floured surface, drizzle the olive oil over it, and knead it with love. Don’t rush this part — kneading for a good 8 to 10 minutes helps develop the gluten, resulting in a dough that stretches easily and bounces back when poked. Add a sprinkle of extra flour if the dough feels too sticky; it should feel soft but manageable.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Pop the dough back into the bowl, cover it first with plastic wrap and then a cozy tea towel. Place it somewhere warm for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. This rise is crucial because it’s when the yeast works its magic, creating air bubbles that will make your bread light and fluffy.
Step 4: Shape and Layer the Dough with Herbs and Cheese
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it in half and roll each piece into a 50cm by 25cm rectangle. Slather ½ tablespoon of butter over each rectangle, then sprinkle crushed garlic, fresh herbs, and a generous helping of your grated cheeses evenly on top. This layering infuses every bite with incredible flavor and gooey richness.
Step 5: Cut and Stack for the Perfect Pull-Apart Effect
Cut each rectangle into strips the height of your loaf tins, then stack these strips on top of one another. Next, slice the stacked strips into squares the width of the loaf tins. Place these stacks sideways into greased or lined tins, cover them, and let them proof again for 30 minutes. This stacking and proofing process creates the much-loved pull-apart texture that makes this recipe so unique.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Finally, preheat your oven to 190°C. Remove the coverings and bake the loaves for about 55 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden color on top. Letting the bread cool slightly for 10 minutes in the pan ensures the layers set just right before you dive in for that first pull-apart piece. Trust me, you’ll want to get in there while it’s still warm and oozing cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Although the bread itself bursts with flavor, a light brush of melted butter or a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs just before serving can elevate its presentation and aroma to next-level deliciousness. A little grated parmesan on top adds a subtle crunch and cheesy finish that makes guests pause before taking a bite.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Imagine dipping those cheesy pull-apart pieces into a rich tomato soup or serving alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It’s also fantastic as an accompaniment to pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or even a cozy stew for a hearty, comforting dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, place the loaf on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and flavored butters to create a fun dipping station. You can also slice the loaf into individual pieces ahead of time and arrange them in a fan shape on a platter with colorful herb sprigs for a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the garlic herb and cheese pull-apart bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft while preserving the fresh herb flavors and cheesy delight inside.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the fully cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm gently for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked magic, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy or soggy. A quick oven toast refreshes the melted cheese and revives the lovely herb aroma perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides parsley, basil, and rosemary?
Absolutely! While this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe features those three for their complementary flavors, you can experiment with thyme, oregano, or chives depending on your taste preferences. Just keep the quantities balanced so the bread isn’t overwhelmed.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A mix of cheese with good melting properties and flavor, like Philadelphia and tasty cheese, provides the perfect gooeyness and taste. You can also try mozzarella for stretchiness or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, but combining cheeses usually delivers the best pull-apart texture and richness.
Is bread improver necessary?
No, bread improver isn’t mandatory but helps create a softer texture and longer-lasting bread. If you don’t have it, don’t worry—the bread will still turn out delicious, just with a slightly different crumb.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Traditional bread flour is key to achieving the perfect pull-apart texture here. Gluten-free alternatives usually lack the stretch and elasticity needed. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for yeast baking, but the results will differ from the original recipe.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a deep golden brown color on the crust and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the loaf. If you have a kitchen thermometer handy, the internal temperature should be around 90-95°C to ensure it’s cooked through but still moist inside.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite treats because it’s so much more than just bread. It’s an experience of sharing warmth, flavor, and pure joy at any table. Whether for a simple family dinner or a festive gathering, this bread brings people together in the best way possible. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own moments of pull-apart happiness!
Print
Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (approximately 20-24 pieces)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread features soft, fluffy homemade bread layered with fragrant crushed garlic, a medley of fresh herbs, and a generous mix of melted Philly and tasty cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden crust, this irresistible pull-apart loaf is ideal for sharing at family dinners, parties, or as a flavorful snack.
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 Ingredients
- 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
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the plain flour, dried yeast granules, salt, sugar, and bread improver thoroughly.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add half of the water to the dry mixture and start mixing. Continue adding the remaining water little by little until the ingredients come together to form a dough ball.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, add olive oil, and knead it well until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add extra flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Dough for Filling: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Cut it in half and roll each piece out into a 50cm x 25cm rectangle.
- Add Butter, Garlic, Herbs, and Cheese: Spread half a tablespoon of butter on each rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with the crushed garlic, chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, and the grated cheese mix.
- Cut and Stack Dough: Slice each rectangle into strips matching the height of your loaf tins. Stack these strips atop each other, then cut the stack into squares the width of the loaf tins to create layers.
- Arrange and Proof: Grease or line your loaf tins and place the dough squares stacked sideways inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough proof again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F) to get it ready for baking.
- Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 55 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature water to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well for an elastic texture, which helps the bread rise beautifully.
- Bread improver can be omitted if unavailable, but it helps with the texture and rise.
- You can substitute the herbs with any fresh herbs you have available for different flavors.
- For a richer taste, use a combination of cheeses or add mozzarella for extra meltiness.
- Make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly to get a nice crust on the bread.
- The pull-apart bread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven.
