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Crispy Italian Herb and Cheese Garlic Bread

Italian herb and cheese garlic bread - featured image
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This pull-apart garlic bread is loaded with Italian herbs and bubbling cheese, featuring crispy edges and gooey, flavorful layers. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for gatherings or comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour, or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra melted butter or olive oil for brushing
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
  • More Italian herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Adjust flour or water as needed for consistency.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm spot until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, melt butter and stir in garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll into a rectangle about 12×8 inches.
  7. Brush the melted butter mixture all over the dough and sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture evenly.
  8. Cut the dough into 3-inch strips, stack the strips, and slice into squares. Arrange stacks upright in a greased loaf pan.
  9. Cover pan loosely and let dough rise for another 15-20 minutes until slightly puffed.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  11. Brush hot bread with extra melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and more herbs if desired.
  12. Let bread cool for 10 minutes before pulling apart. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and whole milk mozzarella. The bread is flexible—swap cheeses or herbs as desired. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use appropriate flour and cheese substitutes. Serve warm with marinara or ranch for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, Italian herbs, cheese bread, pull-apart bread, easy bread recipe, party appetizer, comfort food, vegetarian, homemade bread

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/crispy-italian-herb-and-cheese-garlic-bread-recipe-easy-pull-apart-guide/