Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect combination of fresh herbs, buttery garlic, and irresistibly soft bread, your search ends right here with this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe. Imagine fluffy, tender layers of homemade bread bursting with fragrant rosemary and rich garlic, all infused with melty cheese and a touch of sea salt crunch. It’s an absolute game changer, perfect for any meal, gathering, or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s the kind of recipe that turns any ordinary day into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and aroma—whether it’s the fresh rosemary for floral notes or the shredded cheese adding gooey, melty richness. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this unforgettable bread:

• Platinum yeast from Red Star (2 teaspoons): This yeast gives you a reliable, lively rise for fluffy bread every time.
• Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to feed the yeast and add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory.
• Whole milk (3/4 cup, 180ml): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, softened + 5 tablespoons extra soft + 1 tablespoon melted): Butter is the star here, giving richness inside and a golden crust outside.
• Large egg (1): Helps bind all ingredients and gives a beautiful color and texture.
• All-purpose flour (2 and 1/3 cups, 291g): The structural base for your bread, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• Salt (1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon for filling): Enhances all flavors, keeping the bread perfectly seasoned.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon for filling): Imparts that classic garlic kick without overpowering.
• Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon finely chopped for filling) or dried (2 teaspoons each): The herb that defines the bread—bright, piney, and full of character.
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon finely chopped) or dried (2 teaspoons): Adds a fresh, green note to the filling.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced) or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for filling: Brings the aromatic garlic punch up a notch.
• Shredded cheese (3/4 cup, 95g): Choose parmesan, mozzarella, white cheddar, or your favorite—each one adds a gooey surprise in every bite.
• Coarse or flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for texture and a burst of salty goodness with each pull-apart piece.

How to Make Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by waking up your yeast with sugar and warm milk. When you combine the platinum yeast from Red Star with a tablespoon of granulated sugar and milk heated to about 110°F, you’re giving the yeast the perfect cozy environment to become frothy and active. This 5 to 10-minute rest sets the foundation for the bread’s rise. If your yeast bubbles and foams, you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is bubbly, it’s time to add the softened butter, egg, flour, salt, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary into the bowl. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or even a wooden spoon if you don’t have one, mix everything on low speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides, about 3 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, just add a little more flour by tablespoon increments. The dough should feel soft but manageable.

Step 3: Knead to Perfect Texture

Kneading is where the magic happens. Whether you keep it in your mixer or work the dough by hand, knead for about 5 minutes, adding flour as needed only to prevent sticking without drying out the dough. When finished, your dough should pass the “windowpane test”—meaning you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light without it tearing. This is crucial for that airy yet tender pull-apart texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covered with plastic wrap or foil. Find a warm spot to let it rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes. This step develops flavor and gives the dough its fluffy character, so be patient and enjoy the anticipation!

Step 5: Prepare the Herb Garlic Butter Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, finely chopped rosemary, parsley, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. This savory, aromatic butter will be spread inside each piece of bread, infusing every bite with that signature flavor.

Step 6: Shape and Fill the Dough Pieces

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each one into a 4-inch circle, spread 1-2 teaspoons of that heavenly herb butter on each circle, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese, fold the dough in half, and place it round side up in your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Layering these pieces creates that irresistible pull-apart effect.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the filled dough in the pan with plastic wrap and let it rise again, this time for about 45 minutes, in a warm spot. The dough will puff up nicely, preparing it for baking.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Set your oven rack to the lower third position and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Bake the bread for roughly 50 minutes until beautifully golden. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil. You’ll notice butter melting and sizzling on the sides—that’s exactly what you want for moist, flavorful bread. After baking, brush the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for that final touch of indulgence.

Step 9: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm

Let your masterpiece cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully remove and serve warm. The smell alone will make it hard to wait. Watch as friends and family pull apart those cheesy, garlic-infused layers—pure joy on every plate.

How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

To really elevate your Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe, sprinkle additional freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving for a pop of color and bright herbal aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle zesty kick.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with almost everything! Serve alongside a rich tomato basil soup or a fresh crisp salad for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic as a side to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a hearty pasta dish—any dish that benefits from a flavorful, buttery bread to soak up delicious sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn this bread into a party centerpiece by arranging the pull-apart chunks in a circular pan and serving straight from the oven. You can also serve individual pull-apart pieces in small rustic baskets lined with parchment paper for an inviting rustic feel at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The crust may get a bit firm over time, but the flavor remains just as brilliant.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread either before or after baking. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your bread in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes to regain that soft interior and crispy crust. If short on time, the microwave works as a quick fix, but be cautious as it can soften the crust too much. The warm, buttery, cheesy layers will be just as delightful after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh for the Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! If fresh rosemary isn’t available, use about two teaspoons of dried rosemary for each tablespoon of fresh called for. Just keep in mind dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust accordingly for your taste.

What type of cheese works best in this bread?

Shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and white cheddar each bring something special. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty bite; mozzarella provides a melty stretch, and cheddar imparts a robust tang. Feel free to mix your favorites or try others to customize your bread.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

You can! Substitute unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative. Choose a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The bread will still be deliciously aromatic and tender.

How long does the dough need to rise?

First rise takes about 60 to 90 minutes until doubled, while the second rise is around 45 minutes until puffy. If your environment is cooler, it might take a bit longer. Look for the dough to increase in size as a sign it’s ready.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Definitely! Mixing and kneading by hand works just fine—just be patient and thorough with kneading to develop gluten and get that great texture. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula can help during mixing; then use a lightly floured surface for kneading.

Final Thoughts

This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a cozy hug in bread form. Its fluffy texture, rich herbaceous butter, and melty cheese combine to create an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for you to fill your kitchen with its incredible aroma and share this deliciousness with your favorite people. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked from the very first pull-apart piece!

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