When life gets busy, and I’m searching for something comforting, there’s nothing quite like the smell of warm bread wafting through my kitchen. The first time I tried making pull-apart bread from scratch, I was amazed by how effortless it was to create such a delightful and cheesy treat. This From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread has transformed into a staple of my gatherings, effortlessly impressing friends and family with its golden, buttery goodness.
There’s a satisfying joy in tearing off those fluffy, cheesy pieces, especially when they’re laced with a rich garlic butter spread. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively dinner party, this bread never disappoints. Plus, it’s an incredible way to say goodbye to fast food and embrace homemade flavor. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge! Your new favorite recipe awaits.
Why Love From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread?
Unmatched Comfort: Nothing beats the warmth of freshly baked bread that fills your home with a cozy aroma.
Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for a twist!
Deliciously Cheesy: The melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar create an irresistible gooeyness.
Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests with a show-stopping centerpiece that’s fun to share.
Quick to Disappear: Watch as this savory loaf vanishes faster than you can say “homemade”!
Say Goodbye to Fast Food: Elevate your meals with this easy alternative to pre-packaged bread. Complete your culinary adventures with other delicious recipes found in our blog.
Ingredients for From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible loaf that’s sure to delight!
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups (281 g) for the perfect texture; feel free to substitute with whole wheat for a heartier flavor.
• Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons to activate the yeast and provide a slight sweetness.
• Instant yeast – 2 teaspoons makes this recipe quick and easy without waiting for proofing.
• Kosher salt – 1 ½ teaspoons enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Whole milk – ¾ cup (184 g), warmed (105°F to 115°F) helps the yeast bloom for fluffy bread.
• Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, softened, adds richness to the dough.
For the Garlic Butter Spread
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g), softened, for a creamy texture in the spread.
• Garlic – 1 tablespoon, minced, to infuse delightful flavor into every bite.
• Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped, plus extra for garnish, to add a fresh touch.
• Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon enhances the garlic flavor in the spread.
For the Cheese Filling
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (113 g), shredded; the melty effect is pure magic in this pull-apart bread.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – ½ cup (56.5 g), shredded, for a tangy contrast that complements the mozzarella.
For Topping
• Unsalted butter – 1 tablespoon, melted, to brush over the bread for a golden finish.
• Kosher salt – for garnish, adding a sprinkle of flavor before serving.
Now you’re all set to bake this delightful From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread that will make your home smell like heaven!
How to Make From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
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Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly combined. This will be the foundation of your delightful bread!
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Mix in Wet Components: With the mixer on low speed, slowly incorporate the warmed milk and softened butter. Continue mixing until just blended; it’s important not to overmix at this stage.
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Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time—adjust as needed for the perfect texture!
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Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased medium bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size—about 1 hour and 30 minutes will do the trick.
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Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the dough rises, take a small bowl and blend the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. This savory mixture will create layers of flavor throughout your bread!
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Gather the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Set it aside; you’ll need this cheesy goodness shortly.
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Prepare Your Baking Setup: Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Also, lay out a sheet pan lined with parchment paper as a handy workspace later on.
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Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces for easy handling.
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Flatten and Assemble: Flatten each piece into a 4-inch round disc and arrange them on the lined baking sheet. Each piece is a world of cheesy potential!
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Spread the Garlic Butter: Take your garlic butter mixture and spread it over each round disc. Follow with an even amount of the shredded cheese mixture on top. This is where the magic happens!
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Stack and Rise Again: Form 2 stacks of 6 discs and place them horizontally into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring you gently separate them. Cover and let them rise again until nearly doubled—about 45 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 325°F so it’s hot and ready for the loaf!
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Bake to Perfection: Pop the loaf in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown. If it starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil—nobody likes burnt bread!
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Cool and Serve: Once done, transfer the loaf pan to a wire rack to cool slightly. Brush it with melted butter, sprinkle with salt, and garnish with parsley before delightfully diving in.
Optional: Serve warm for the ultimate cheesy experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread?
Imagine hosting a cozy gathering or a casual family dinner with delicious flavors dancing in the air, ready to tantalize your taste buds.
- Homemade Marinara Sauce: This rich and tangy sauce is perfect for dipping, enhancing the cheesy flavors of your bread.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens tossed with a light vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy loaf.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: Pairing this bread with a bowl of creamy soup creates a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any chill.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These hearty peppers filled with spiced rice and meat provide a lovely balance of flavors alongside the rich bread.
- Savory Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies add texture and earthiness, creating a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.
- Wine or Sparkling Grapefruit Juice: A light white wine or bubbly drink complements the garlic and cheese flavors wonderfully, elevating your dining experience.
- Cheese Platter: For a delightful appetizer, serve assorted cheeses with crackers or nuts, echoing the cheesy goodness of your pull-apart bread.
- Pumpkin Muffins: These slightly sweet treats make for a charming dessert to round out your meal with a cozy autumn vibe.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp infused with garlic echo the bread’s flavors while offering a luxurious seafood touch.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: End your dinner on a sweet note with this rich dessert that will delight chocolate lovers and leave them wanting more!
How to Store and Freeze From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days on the countertop.
Fridge: For longer shelf life, keep the bread in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 5 days, though it may lose some moisture.
Freezer: Freeze sliced or unsliced in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for optimal freshness. It can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw the bread overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to revive its warmth and cheesiness.
Expert Tips for From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
• Perfect Dough Consistency: Before kneading, ensure dough is slightly tacky. If too wet, add flour; if too dry, a tablespoon of milk at a time works wonders.
• Dough Rising Spot: Find a warm, draft-free area for the dough to rise. A sunny window or an oven turned off with the light on can work beautifully!
• Garlic Butter Spread: Don’t skip the garlic butter mixture—this is where the flavor bursts from! Apply it generously to each disc for the best results.
• Layering Cheese: Distributing the mozzarella and cheddar evenly ensures that each piece delivers that delightful gooeyness and savory punch.
• Cooling Time: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and makes for easier pulling apart!
• Serving Suggestions: Pair your bread with homemade marinara or a fresh salad for a wonderful meal that elevates your home cooking. Say goodbye to fast food cravings!
Make Ahead Options
These From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just complete steps 1 through 5 (let it rise), then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature, and proceed with steps 8 through 14. Additionally, you can mix the garlic butter and cheese filling up to 3 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, maintaining their freshness. This ensures your homemade bread will be just as delicious with minimal effort on the day of serving!
Variations & Substitutions for From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Feel free to get creative with your bread and make it your own!
- Whole Wheat: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf that adds nutty depth.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a delightful hint of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Replace parsley with fresh basil or rosemary in the butter spread for a fragrant twist.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Gouda for a unique flavor profile that excites the palate.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a delicious vegan version without sacrificing taste.
- Stuffed Surprise: Before layering on the cheese, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or cooked spinach for a surprise element that takes it over the top!
- Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring your yeast and other ingredients are also gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.
- Savory Additions: Mix in sautéed onions or crispy bacon bits within the layers for an irresistible savory flavor burst that will become a crowd favorite.
Embrace these variations to suit your taste buds and dietary needs, transforming each loaf into a new masterpiece!
From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for the dough?
Absolutely! For the best dough, select all-purpose flour that feels smooth and free of lumps. When choosing milk, use whole milk for added richness, ensuring it’s warmed to the right temperature—this should feel comfortably warm to your touch, around 105°F to 115°F.
How should I store leftover cheesy garlic pull-apart bread?
Very simple! Store your bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a bit more time, you can refrigerate the bread in a sealed container for up to 5 days, although it might lose some moistness.
Can I freeze this pull-apart bread, and how?
Absolutely, freezing is a fantastic option! Allow the bread to cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn—you can freeze it sliced or unsliced. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to refresh its gooey, cheesy goodness.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
No worries, this can happen! First, check if your yeast is fresh, as expired yeast can prevent rising. Ensure that the warm milk wasn’t too hot—this can kill the yeast. For a warm place to rise, consider placing the bowl in a turned-off oven with just the light on, providing a cozy environment. If the dough hasn’t risen after 1 hour and 30 minutes, you might want to give it an extra 20-30 minutes!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Certainly! This recipe can be tweaked for different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Those with dairy allergies can opt for plant-based butter and non-dairy cheese. Always double-check the ingredients of store-bought products to ensure they align with your dietary requirements.
How can I enhance the flavor of my cheesy garlic pull-apart bread?
Feel free to get creative! Adding herbs like oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter spread can take the flavor to new levels. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations—try adding some pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist. The more the merrier!
From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread That's Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly incorporate the warmed milk and softened butter.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased medium bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Blend the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
- Combine the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses in a separate bowl.
- Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and lay out a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece into a 4-inch round disc and arrange them on the lined baking sheet.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture over each round disc and top with shredded cheese mixture.
- Form 2 stacks of 6 discs and place them horizontally into the prepared loaf pan, gently separating them. Cover and let rise again for about 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before brushing with melted butter, sprinkling with salt, and garnishing with parsley.