Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread—the kind of bread that’s impossible to resist! With its soft, buttery layers infused with garlic, cheese, and a hint of fresh rosemary, this bread is like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. I whipped this up for a dinner party once, and let’s just say, people were practically fighting over the last piece. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Herby and Garlicky: The combination of rosemary and garlic creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Cheesy Goodness: Each layer is filled with shredded cheese, making every bite a cheesy delight.
- Perfect for Sharing: This bread is designed to be pulled apart, making it the ultimate shareable side for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Platinum Yeast: 2 teaspoons to help the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
- Whole Milk: ¾ cup (180ml), warmed to 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast.
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons (43g), softened for richness.
- Egg: 1 large, for binding the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ⅓ cups (291g), plus extra for kneading.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for an extra garlicky kick.
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried) for that herby goodness.
For the Filling:
- Unsalted Butter: 5 tablespoons (71g), softened for easy spreading.
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried).
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried) for a fresh touch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder) to amp up the flavor.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon to season the filling.
- Cheese: ¾ cup (95g) shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar for cheesy bliss.
Optional Topping:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon (14g), melted to brush on top for extra richness.
- Flaky Sea Salt: For a delightful crunch and flavor boost.
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Switch the mozzarella for sharp cheddar or Gouda for a richer flavor.
- Herb Lovers: Add thyme or oregano into the filling for even more herby goodness.
- Garlic Explosion: If you’re a garlic lover, throw in an extra clove for a serious punch.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Make the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm milk (heated to about 110°F). Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly.
2. Add the Ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add the softened butter, egg, flour, salt, garlic powder, and rosemary. Mix on low speed for about 3 minutes until everything is well combined.
3. Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes (or by hand for 5-7 minutes). If the dough is sticky, add more flour, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it’s soft and slightly tacky but not sticking to your hands. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 60-90 minutes until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, rosemary, parsley, minced garlic, and salt in a medium bowl. Set it aside.
5. Assemble the Bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle. Spread 1-2 teaspoons of the butter-herb filling on each circle and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese. Fold each circle in half and line them up in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, round side up.
6. Second Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes until it’s puffy.
7. Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the bread for about 50 minutes until it’s golden brown and smells amazing. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. For extra flavor, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
How to Serve
- As a Side Dish: This bread pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
- For Entertaining: It’s a fantastic party appetizer or potluck side dish—just watch it disappear!
- With Dips: Serve with marinara or a garlic butter sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead
- Fridge: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Freezer: Freeze the baked bread for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dough without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand—just be prepared for a little arm workout. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the bread in foil or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.
There you have it—soft, garlicky, cheesy perfection. This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍞✨