Pull apart bread is the ultimate shareable appetizer – soft, fluffy bread pieces infused with garlic butter and loaded with melted cheese, just waiting to be torn off and devoured.
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This recipe uses store-bought pizza dough for convenience but tastes completely homemade. Each piece is brushed with a savory herb butter and stuffed with mozzarella, creating that irresistible cheese pull.
Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or a fun weekend snack, this bread is best served warm straight from the oven. Watch it disappear in minutes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 pound (450g) store-bought pizza dough
Fresh or refrigerated dough works. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also use homemade dough.
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
Salted butter works too – just reduce added salt. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best. In a pinch, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh parsley adds color. Substitute 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
1 teaspoon dried oregano
You can use Italian seasoning instead. For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter.
2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Low-moisture mozzarella melts best. You can also use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan has more flavor. Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Tips & Tricks
- Ensure the dough is at room temperature for easier handling – cold dough will tear.
- Don't overstuff the pieces with cheese, or it will leak out during baking. Keep a little space around the edges.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the dough pieces cleanly without squashing them.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a round baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt. Stir well to distribute the garlic.
3. Cut the Dough into Pieces
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rough 12×8-inch rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut it into 1-inch squares (about 24-30 pieces).
4. Coat with Butter and Cheese
Dip each dough square into the garlic butter, then coat with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You can toss them in a bowl to combine.
5. Layer in the Pan
Arrange the coated dough pieces in the prepared pan, scattering them evenly. Pour any remaining butter over the top and sprinkle with any leftover cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is puffed and golden brown. The top should be deeply browned, and the edges of the pan will look bubbly. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is ideal.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Then invert onto a plate or serve directly from the pan. Pull apart and enjoy warm!
Delicious Variations
Pepperoni Pizza Pull-Apart
Add 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni and swap oregano for Italian seasoning.
Jalapeño Popper Style
Add 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños and use Monterey Jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Version
Omit garlic and herbs, use 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon in the butter, and skip the cheese.
How to Store Pull Apart Bread
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
You can freeze the baked, cooled bread in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it will become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this pull apart bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What if I don't have pizza dough?
You can use canned biscuit dough (like Pillsbury) – just cut each biscuit into quarters. Or make your own simple yeast dough.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar, provolone, or a Italian blend all work well. Just make sure they melt well.
Q: How do I know when it's done?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. For accuracy, check the center with a thermometer – it should read 190°F (88°C).
I hope you enjoy this cheesy pull apart bread as much as we do! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking!
Pull Apart Bread
Easy Cheesy Pull Apart Bread with garlic butter and herbs – a warm, gooey, crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in 50 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) store-bought pizza dough
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
📋 Instructions
- 1Prep the Oven and Pan — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a round baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2Make Garlic Herb Butter — In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt. Stir well to distribute the garlic.
- 3Cut the Dough into Pieces — On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rough 12×8-inch rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut it into 1-inch squares (about 24-30 pieces).
- 4Coat with Butter and Cheese — Dip each dough square into the garlic butter, then coat with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You can toss them in a bowl to combine.
- 5Layer in the Pan — Arrange the coated dough pieces in the prepared pan, scattering them evenly. Pour any remaining butter over the top and sprinkle with any leftover cheese.
- 6Bake Until Golden — Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is puffed and golden brown. The top should be deeply browned, and the edges of the pan will look bubbly. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is ideal.
- 7Cool and Serve — Let the bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Then invert onto a plate or serve directly from the pan. Pull apart and enjoy warm!
