Cheesy pull-away bread ✨
Recipe:
(3/4) of a cup of warm water (110-115 degrees!)
(1) packet of yeast
(1) tbsp of sugar
(1) large egg
(4) tbsp of softened butter!
(1) tsp of salt
(1/2) tbsp of garlic powder
(1/2) tbsp of onion powder
(3) cups of all-purpose flour
(3) tbsp of freshly chopped parsley
(3) tbsp of salted butter
(2) gloves of garlic (to be minced)
(1/4) of a cup of Parmesan cheese (fresh is better!)
(1) bag of shredded cheese (whatever is your preference!)
*although I do own a kitchen-aid, I prefer doing this by hand (both mixing and kneading, yields softer bread)
1) mix warm milk, sugar and yeast into your bowl and let it sit in your own for 10-15 minutes (I cover mine with film wrap and then cover with a clean kitchen towel)
2) once yeast is foamy, add your egg and butter (important that the butter is softened)
3) next mix in your dry ingredients (seasonings + flour)
4) once everything is incorporated, drop onto a clean surface and hand-knead until it is smooth (about 10-15 minutes!)
5) oil a bowl (olive oil) and place your dough to rest in the over again for about an hour
6) after an hour, your dough should double in size. Roll out dough into a rectangle
7) heat up butter, parley, Parmesan and garlic in a pan
8) once cooled, apply a thin layer of ^ to the dough (remember to save a little of this for when it’s done baking!)
9) cover the entirety of the dough with cheese
10) slice into 8 equal rectangles, and stack them in top of one another
11) arrange your slices (carefully) into a bread pan
12) allow your pan to rest another hour (rest in oven!)
13) once your bread has rested, bake in over for 25 minutes on 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
14) once baked, brush with your remaining garlic butter!
Enjoy!
If you're looking to impress with a homemade bread that's both cheesy and packed with savory flavors, this cheesy pull-apart bread is an excellent choice. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, fresh garlic, and parsley mixed with Parmesan cheese creates an aromatic and flavorful experience that is perfect as a side for dinner or a snack on its own. One of the key secrets to achieving a soft and tender bread texture is the hand-kneading step mentioned in the recipe. While using kitchen appliances like a KitchenAid can save time, hand-kneading the dough helps develop gluten gradually and yields a softer crumb that makes the bread pull apart easily. Remember to knead the dough for at least 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Allowing the dough to rise twice — first in the bowl and then in the pan after slicing and layering with cheese and garlic butter — is crucial for creating light, fluffy layers. Using warm water between 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit activates the yeast properly, which leads to a good rise. Covering the dough with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel helps maintain the right humidity. The garlic butter mixture, heated with parsley, Parmesan, and minced garlic, infuses the bread with rich flavors both before baking and after, when brushing the remaining butter on top. Using fresh Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated kind significantly enhances the taste, offering a nuttier and creamier profile. Feel free to customize your shredded cheese blend — mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar for a sharper bite, or even gouda for smokiness. Experimenting with cheese varieties lets you tailor the bread to your own taste preferences. Finally, baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes creates a golden crust while keeping the interior soft and moist. This bread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, perfect for sharing as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or alongside soups and salads. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cheesy pull-apart bread recipe is a satisfying project that delivers delicious homemade comfort food every time.