Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious, savory bread made with soft dough pieces coated in garlic butter, herbs, and melted cheese. Each piece pulls apart easily, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, pasta nights, and party appetizers.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich garlic flavor: Garlic butter coats every piece of bread.
- Soft and fluffy: The dough bakes into tender, golden pieces.
- Cheesy and savory: Mozzarella and Parmesan add delicious flavor.
- Perfect for sharing: Serve it warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
How to Make Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Bread
1. Activate the Yeast
Combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and Let Rise
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Make the Garlic Butter
Mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
5. Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small, bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the garlic butter, coating it evenly.
6. Add the Cheese
Arrange half of the dough pieces in a greased Bundt pan or baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining dough pieces and top with the remaining cheese.
7. Let It Rise Again
Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through in the center. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
9. Serve
Let the bread cool for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and serve warm while the cheese is melted and the bread is easy to pull apart.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Bread
- Use warm, not hot, milk to help activate the yeast.
- Let the dough rise fully for a light and fluffy texture.
- Freshly minced garlic gives the butter a stronger flavor.
- Add mozzarella between the dough pieces for cheesy layers.
- Brush a little extra garlic butter over the bread immediately after baking.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Bread is a soft, flavorful, and cheesy side dish that’s easy to share. With buttery garlic, fragrant herbs, and melted cheese, it’s a delicious addition to pasta dinners, holiday meals, and family gatherings.
