Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a mouthwatering, aromatic delight that effortlessly combines the comfort of soft, fluffy bread with the savory punch of garlic butter.

This recipe involves creating a yeast-based dough, enriching it with butter, and layering slices with a flavorful garlic herb mixture before baking to golden perfection.

The result is a bread that’s not only visually impressive but also irresistibly delicious, with each piece easily pulling away from the loaf, perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Garlic Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply indulging in your love of garlic.

Its soft, tender layers infused with melted butter, garlic, and herbs create a harmony of flavors that garlic enthusiasts will adore.

Beyond its taste, the tactile experience of pulling apart pieces of this bread adds an element of fun to any meal.

It’s not just a bread; it’s a memorable experience that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy together.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• • Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is active by dissolving it in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar; the mixture should become frothy, indicating that the yeast is alive.
  • Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste. For a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic to the butter mixture.
  • Buttery Layers: To achieve rich, flavorful layers, generously brush each piece of dough with the garlic butter mixture before assembling the loaf.
  • Proofing is Key: Allow the shaped loaf to proof until it nearly doubles in size. This ensures a light and fluffy bread.
  • Check for Doneness: The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. If unsure, check the internal temperature with a thermometer (it should read 190°F).

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• • Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano for varying flavors.

• Cheese: For a cheesy variation, add grated Parmesan or cheddar between the layers or on top of the loaf before baking.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened almond milk in place of dairy milk for a vegan version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Garlic Pull Apart Bread is incredibly versatile, serving as the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.

Pair it with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal, serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna to sop up sauces, or simply enjoy it as a savory snack.

For a casual dinner, serve it with a crisp salad and a selection of dips, such as marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip, for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• • Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: Freeze slices of the bread in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through for the best texture.

Recipe FAQs

• • Can I use pre-made dough? Yes, pre-made pizza or bread dough is a convenient substitute if you’re short on time.
  • Can I make this without an oven? While traditionally baked, you can try cooking smaller portions in an air fryer or covered skillet, adjusting the temperature and time as needed.
  • Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Yes, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking, though the texture may vary.

Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Dive into the irresistible world of Garlic Pull Apart Bread, where each fluffy, buttery piece is packed with the aromatic goodness of garlic and herbs. Perfect for sharing, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try for all garlic bread lovers.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Garlic Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F. It should feel warm to the touch but not hot. In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly on top. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
3. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, start to mix everything together until a rough dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dry.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. This prevents the dough from drying out. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. The time it takes for the dough to rise can vary depending on the room temperature.
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. To the melted butter, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
7. After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into approximately 2-inch squares.
8. Take each square and brush one side generously with the prepared garlic butter. Stack the buttered squares on top of each other, creating several stacks. Carefully place these stacks on their sides in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will create the layers of the pull-apart bread. If you have leftover garlic butter, set it aside for brushing on top before baking.
9. Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and filled the pan.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) towards the end of the second rising time.
11. Brush the top of the dough with the remaining garlic butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
12. Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
13. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
• For Softer Bread: Cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to keep the top from getting too hard.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate overnight, and proceed with shaping and baking the next day.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 331Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 356mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g