🧄🧀 Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Mediterranean-Inspired | Baked • Shareable • Comfort Food
🌿 Description
This Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread is a crowd-pleasing Mediterranean twist on classic comfort bread. Soft, fluffy layers are brushed with extra-virgin olive oil, packed with garlic, fresh herbs, and melty cheese, then baked until golden. Perfect for gatherings, soups, mezze spreads, or as a cozy side dish.
🫒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Dough (or shortcut option)
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
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1 tsp sugar or honey
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1 tsp salt
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¾ cup warm milk or water
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¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Shortcut: Use 1 lb (450 g) store-bought pizza or bread dough.
Garlic Herb Filling
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⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil or softened butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp black pepper
Cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
🍞 Instructions
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Make the dough (skip if using store-bought)
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and olive oil. Knead briefly until soft. Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled. -
Prepare filling
Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, oregano, and black pepper. -
Shape
Roll dough into a rectangle. Brush generously with garlic herb oil. Sprinkle cheeses evenly. -
Cut & stack
Cut into strips, then stack pieces and place upright in a greased loaf pan. -
Second rise
Cover and rest 20–30 minutes. -
Bake
Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly. -
Finish
Brush with extra olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs. Cool slightly before pulling apart.
🌿 Mediterranean Highlights
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Olive oil instead of heavy butter
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Fresh herbs for aroma & antioxidants
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Moderate cheese for balance
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Homemade bread with simple ingredients
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh.
Q: Can I use whole-wheat flour?
A: Yes. Replace half the flour with whole wheat and add 1–2 tbsp extra liquid.
Q: What cheeses work best?
A: Mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan/Pecorino for flavor. Feta can be added for a Mediterranean touch.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes—use olive oil and plant-based cheese.
🍽️ Serving Tip
Serve warm with olive oil & balsamic dip, tomato soup, or alongside grilled vegetables and salads.
