Parmesan Garlic Pull-Apart Bread: A Mouthwatering Culinary Delight

by

Pull-apart bread is the ultimate comfort food that brings people together, transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience. This Parmesan Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough and rich, aromatic flavors that will have everyone at the table reaching for another piece. The combination of freshly grated Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and herbs creates an irresistible bread that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

US Measurements:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

Metric Measurements:

  • 480g all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
  • 240ml warm water
  • 5g sugar
  • 5g salt
  • 30ml olive oil
  • 100g freshly grated Parmesan
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 60g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First Rise Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Filling While the dough is rising, mix grated Parmesan, finely chopped garlic, melted butter, dried oregano, and fresh thyme in a small bowl.
  6. Roll and Fill Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately ¼ inch thick.
  7. Create Pull-Apart Sections Spread the Parmesan-garlic mixture evenly across the dough. Cut the dough into roughly 2-inch squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
  8. Assemble the Bread Carefully stack the dough squares and place them vertically in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan, allowing them to lean against each other.
  9. Second Rise Cover the loaf pan and let the bread rise for an additional 30 minutes in a warm place.
  10. Bake to Perfection Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.
  11. Cool and Serve Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Gently remove and serve warm.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
  • Servings: 8-10 people

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor
  • Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising
  • Let the bread cool slightly to prevent burning, but serve warm for the best taste

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its freshness.

Enjoy this delectable Parmesan Garlic Pull-Apart Bread that’s sure to become a family favorite!