Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
If you love the irresistible charm of fresh bread combined with the bold, mouthwatering flavors of garlic and herbs, then this Pull Apart Garlic Bread will soon become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, buttery bites bursting with garlicky goodness that you can easily pull apart and share. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a party appetizer, Pull Apart Garlic Bread brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for this delicious Pull Apart Garlic Bread. Each component is straightforward but plays an essential role: the dough gives you a soft, pillowy texture, while the garlic butter topping provides that irresistible flavor punch.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast for a fluffy dough texture, so make sure it’s comfortably warm, not hot.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s rise, giving it that perfect airy softness.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory garlic and herbs.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Blends into the dough for richness and a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (for topping): Melts gorgeously into the bread, carrying garlic and herbs into every bite.
- Garlic (finely grated or minced): The star flavor, infusing the bread with its signature savory aroma.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note and bright green color.
- Italian seasoning: A classic herb mix that rounds out the flavor profile with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm water and honey, which gives the dough that perfect fluffy lift. Once you see a foamy top, it’s ready to work its magic. Then, slowly mix in your flour, butter, and salt, adding water little by little until the dough comes together in a soft ball. A gentle knead for 7 to 10 minutes transforms it into a smooth, elastic masterpiece. Cover it and let it rest until it doubles in size—this wait is worth every second!
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While your dough is taking a well-deserved rest, melt butter on low heat and infuse it with finely grated garlic, aromatic parsley, and Italian seasoning. Cooking this mixture briefly releases all those robust, delightful flavors that will soak right into your bread. Once it’s fragrant and ready, remove it from the heat to keep the fresh notes vibrant.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it into a 1-inch thick tube. Cut this into bite-sized pieces that are just perfect for pulling apart. Toss the dough pieces generously in your garlic butter, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Place them snugly in a greased loaf pan to encourage the pull-apart effect. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is gloriously golden and the kitchen smells like pure heaven. For an extra touch, sprinkle on some extra parsley before serving.
How to Serve Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Garnishes
To keep things fresh and inviting, a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley on top adds a pop of green color and a hint of freshness that complements the garlic and butter perfectly. For a dash of richness, a few shavings of Parmesan can elevate the flavor to new heights.
Side Dishes
Pull Apart Garlic Bread plays wonderfully alongside hearty soups, vibrant salads, or classic pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy Alfredo. It also shines as a snack during movie nights or paired with a robust dipping sauce like marinara or pesto, turning every bite into a delicious experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Pull Apart Garlic Bread in a rustic loaf basket lined with a checked cloth for a cozy vibe, or spread the pieces out on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces for a casual sharing platter. You can even add cheese between the pieces before baking to create a cheesy pull-apart version that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the bread soft. If the bread starts feeling a bit firm, a quick warm-up will bring back its tender texture.
Freezing
Pull Apart Garlic Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to a month. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and place the bread in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and soft. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bread chewy rather than tender and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza or bread dough can save time and still produce a delicious Pull Apart Garlic Bread. Just follow the rest of the recipe for the garlic butter and baking steps.
How can I make the garlic flavor milder?
If you prefer a gentler garlic taste, reduce the amount of garlic by half or sauté it longer in butter to mellow its intensity before tossing it with the dough pieces.
Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley adds the best flavor and color, but if you don’t have any on hand, dried parsley will work in a pinch—just use a bit less as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
No Italian seasoning? No problem! You can mix your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, or simply use any herb blend you love.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
With a few swaps, yes! Use plant-based butter and skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup. The dough and garlic butter will still turn out rich and full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread isn’t just a delicious side; it’s a warm invitation to gather, share, and enjoy good times around the table. Its simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical and comforting. I promise once you make it, you’ll find every excuse to bake up this golden, buttery, garlicky wonder again and again. So go ahead, pull apart a piece, and savor every bite!
PrintPull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a deliciously soft and flavorful bread, perfect for sharing. This recipe features homemade dough infused with a savory garlic butter topping, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. The bread is shaped into bite-sized pieces, coated, and baked to golden perfection, making it an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water, divided
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2 large cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the flour, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup water, mixing between each addition until a dough ball forms. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust with additional flour.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, cover with a dish cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the dough is rising, melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Shape Dough Pieces: Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a 1-inch thick tube. Cut the tube into small 1-inch pieces.
- Coat Dough Pieces: Toss the dough pieces in the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the garlic and herb butter.
- Bake: Place the coated dough pieces into a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve the pull apart garlic bread warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Warm water is essential to activate the yeast properly—too hot or cold water may prevent proper rising.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra garlic clove or two to the butter mixture.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven the next day.
- Feel free to add shredded mozzarella between dough pieces before baking for a cheesy variation.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil in both dough and topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: garlic bread, pull apart bread, garlic butter bread, homemade bread, appetizer, side dish, Italian bread
