🧄 Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread (Anti-Inflatory Version)
🌿 Description
This Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread is a golden, bubbling loaf layered with anti-inflammatory ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and high-quality cheese. It’s soft on the inside, crispy on top, and infused with immune-boosting, gut-friendly flavors.
Perfect as a healthy comfort food recipe, this version skips inflammatory seed oils and processed ingredients, making it ideal for those following a Mediterranean diet, clean eating plan, or anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
🛒 Ingredients (Clean & Anti-Inflatory Focused)
Main Ingredients:
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1 whole sourdough loaf (cut into cubes)
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1 ½ cups organic mozzarella cheese (shredded)
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½ cup grass-fed cheddar or gouda (shredded)
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3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed)
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2 tbsp grass-fed butter (optional for richness)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory boost)
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¼ tsp black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)
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½ tsp sea salt
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Optional: pinch red pepper flakes
Optional Anti-Inflammatory Add-Ins:
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1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for gut health)
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1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed
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Finely chopped spinach or kale
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Bread
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut sourdough loaf into cubes (don’t cut all the way through if keeping loaf intact). Place in a greased loaf pan.
2️⃣ Make Herb Infusion
In a small saucepan over low heat:
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Warm olive oil and butter
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Add garlic, turmeric, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper
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Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes (do not brown garlic)
3️⃣ Assemble
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Pour herb oil mixture evenly over bread
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Stuff cheese between bread cubes
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Sprinkle parsley and optional add-ins
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Add extra cheese on top
4️⃣ Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Pair with anti-inflammatory lentil soup
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Serve alongside grilled wild salmon
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Enjoy with a probiotic yogurt dip
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Add to a Mediterranean mezze platter
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Perfect as a healthy holiday appetizer
🔄 Variations
🥑 Dairy-Free Version
Use plant-based mozzarella and nutritional yeast.
🥖 Gluten-Free
Swap for certified gluten-free sourdough.
🥬 Green Goddess Version
Add basil, spinach, and a drizzle of avocado oil.
🧀 High-Protein Upgrade
Mix in cottage cheese or add shredded chicken.
🌶 Spicy Metabolism Boost
Add cayenne or fresh jalapeños.
❓ Related Questions
Is cheese inflammatory?
High-quality, grass-fed cheese in moderation can fit into an anti-inflammatory diet.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best bread for gut health?
Traditional fermented sourdough supports better digestion.
Can I air fry it?
Yes, at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes (small portions).
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 280–320
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Protein: 10–14g
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Healthy Fats: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 2–3g
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Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Allicin (garlic), Curcumin (turmeric), Polyphenols (olive oil)
Values vary depending on cheese and bread used.
💡 Final Thoughts
This anti-inflammatory Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread transforms classic comfort food into a clean eating, gut-healthy, Mediterranean-inspired recipe. By using extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, turmeric, and fermented sourdough, you get bold flavor with functional health benefits.
