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Savory Garlic Herb Three-Cheese Pull-Apart Bread

garlic herb three-cheese pull-apart bread - featured image
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A golden, bubbling loaf of pull-apart bread loaded with roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a trio of gooey cheeses. This easy homemade appetizer is perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted for milder flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Extra cheese blend (¼ cup total)
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if sticky.
  4. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make garlic herb butter. Set aside.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 12×16 inches and ¼ inch thick. Let rest for 5 minutes if dough springs back.
  7. Spread garlic herb butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheese over the butter. Press gently.
  8. Cut the dough into 4 strips lengthwise, stack the strips, then cut the stack into 6 equal pieces.
  9. Stand the stacks upright in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cut sides facing up.
  10. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffed. Preheat oven to 350°F during this time.
  11. Sprinkle extra cheese and red pepper flakes on top if using. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes if browning too quickly.
  12. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, lift out, and serve warm.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh herbs and roast the garlic. The bread is flexible—swap cheeses or herbs as desired. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 flour blend. Bread can be made ahead, refrigerated overnight, or frozen before/after baking. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pull-apart bread, garlic bread, cheese bread, party appetizer, homemade bread, savory bread, herbs, easy recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/savory-garlic-herb-three-cheese-pull-apart-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-party-appetizer/