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- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 cup warm water (110°F) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 teaspoon oregano - 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese - Extra flour for dusting - Olive oil for brushing To make the perfect herbed garlic pull apart bread, you start with the basics. I use all-purpose flour because it gives the bread a great texture. Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly. Salt adds flavor, while sugar feeds the yeast. Warm water is key; it activates the yeast. Next, I add flavor with unsalted butter, which makes the bread rich. Garlic is a must for that aromatic kick. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano bring vibrant tastes. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, adding a gooey, cheesy center. Finally, I keep extra flour handy for dusting. Olive oil gives a golden sheen to the bread when baked. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delightful dish that’s both tasty and simple. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by activating the yeast. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should see bubbles forming on top. This means your yeast is ready. Then, add salt and melted butter to the bowl. Stir gently to combine. Gradually add flour while mixing. You want a rough dough. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. This step is key for good texture. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a bit of extra flour. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size. This helps develop flavor and texture. While the dough rises, prepare the herbed garlic mixture. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a pinch of salt. This blend adds great flavor. After the dough rises, punch it down gently. Turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into about 16 equal parts. Flatten each ball slightly. Place a teaspoon of the herbed garlic mixture and some mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal. Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a greased bundt pan or a round cake pan. Place them closely together. Brush the tops with olive oil. Sprinkle any leftover herbs on top. Cover the pan with a cloth and let it rise for 30 more minutes. While that happens, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After the second rise, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a nice, baked smell. Once it’s done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a platter. Enjoy this tasty treat warm! Kneading is key to great bread. When you knead, you build gluten. Gluten gives the bread its strength and texture. Knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when you finish. Check if the dough rises properly. After the first rise, it should double in size. If it does not, the yeast might be inactive. Always use warm water around 110°F to activate the yeast. A warm, draft-free spot helps the dough rise well. You can customize the herbs to fit your taste. Try basil, dill, or even a bit of sage. Mix and match until you find your favorite blend. Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs work too. Cheese is another way to add flavor. Use sharp cheddar for a kick or creamy feta for a different taste. You can even mix cheeses for a fun flavor twist. Presentation makes your bread more inviting. Serve it warm on a colorful plate. Add fresh herbs around the bread for a pop of green. Dipping options are endless. Offer olive oil with balsamic vinegar for a classic choice. Herb-infused butter is another tasty idea. You can also serve it with marinara sauce for a fun twist. Pro Tips Perfect Dough Texture: Ensure your dough is smooth and elastic by kneading it well. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour during kneading. Control Rising Temperature: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven with the light on or a warm corner of your kitchen works well. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and cheeses in the filling to customize the flavor of your pull-apart bread to suit your taste. Serving Suggestions: For a delightful presentation, serve with herb-infused olive oil or butter. Garnish with extra fresh herbs to enhance the visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can make this bread even better by adding cheese. Feta or cheddar works great. Feta adds a tangy taste. Cheddar gives a nice sharpness. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Many brands offer good melts. Choose one you enjoy for a tasty twist. Herbs are key to flavor. An Italian herb blend brings a classic taste. You can mix basil, oregano, and thyme. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. This will give the bread a warm bite. You can use fresh herbs or dried ones. Each choice will change the flavor. Don’t stop at cheese and herbs! Try adding sundried tomatoes for a sweet flavor. They add a chewy texture and vibrant color. Spinach and feta is another great mix. The spinach adds freshness, while feta gives a creamy touch. Be creative and have fun with your fillings! To keep your herbed garlic pull-apart bread fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the bread soft and prevents it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you do not have a container, use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze this bread for later enjoyment. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the bread in the fridge overnight. To warm it up, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will bring back its fresh taste and soft texture. At room temperature, the bread lasts for about 2-3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you notice hard spots or a dry texture, it may be time to toss it. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or visible mold. Always check before eating! Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just remember to activate it first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it bubbles. This step wakes up the yeast. Then, add it to your dough like you would with instant yeast. To check if your bread is done, look for a golden-brown color. Tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If you have a food thermometer, check the inside. It should be about 190°F (88°C). These tips help ensure your bread bakes perfectly. This bread pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with a bowl of olive oil for dipping. You can also enjoy it with soup or salad. It makes a great side for pasta too. Try adding herb-infused butter for extra flavor. This blog post covered key ingredients and steps for making Herbed Garlic Pull Apart Bread. We explored the dough preparation, filling ideas, and various flavor options. Remember, you can customize your bread to fit your taste. The right kneading and resting are crucial for the best texture. Storing leftovers properly ensures freshness. Experiment with different herbs and cheeses for unique flavors. Enjoy the baking process, and have fun sharing this delicious treat with friends and family!

Herbed Garlic Pull Apart Bread

A delicious and aromatic pull-apart bread infused with garlic and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • cups extra flour for dusting
  • cups olive oil for brushing

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  • Add the salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture, stirring gently.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the herbed garlic mixture by mixing together the minced garlic, chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal parts (about 16 small balls).
  • Flatten each ball slightly, then place a teaspoon of the herbed garlic mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
  • Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a greased bundt pan or a round cake pan, placing them closely together.
  • Brush the tops of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with any remaining herbs. Cover the pan with a cloth and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • After the second rise, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a serving platter.

Notes

Serve warm with olive oil or herb-infused butter for dipping.
Keyword bread, garlic, herbs, pull apart