Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand in a large bowl. Start with a wooden spoon to combine ingredients, then turn out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Your arms will get a workout, but the results are just as delicious!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I strongly recommend shredding your own for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has superior flavor for those perfect cheese pulls.

My dough isn't rising. What went wrong?

Several factors could be at play. Check that your yeast is fresh and not expired. Ensure your milk was warm (105°F-115°F) but not hot when added to the yeast. Also, place your dough in a warm, draft-free spot for rising – near (not on) a preheating oven or in an oven with just the light turned on works well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You have two options: Either prepare through assembly and refrigerate overnight before the second rise (let come to room temperature before baking), or fully bake the bread earlier in the day, then wrap in foil and reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes just before serving.

From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Name: From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; ¾ cup (184 g) whole milk, warmed (105°F to 115°F); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; Kosher salt, for garnish

This From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate homemade treat that combines soft, pillowy dough with layers of savory garlic butter and melty cheese. Each pull-apart section reveals stretchy cheese and aromatic garlic, making it impossible to stop at just one piece. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or the star of a casual dinner, this bread brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive Yet Achievable: Don’t let the “from scratch” part intimidate you! The dough comes together easily, and the assembly process is actually fun.
Crowd-Pleaser: Watch as everyone’s eyes light up when you place this bread on the table. The sight of people eagerly pulling apart those cheesy sections is pure joy.
Customizable: Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and even add-ins like bacon or jalapeños.
Rustic Charm: This bread has that wonderful homemade quality that no store-bought version can match. The slightly irregular shapes of each piece make it all the more appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread, providing structure while keeping the texture tender.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Instant yeast: The magical ingredient that makes our dough rise. Make sure yours is fresh for best results.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
Whole milk: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb. Warm it to the specified temperature to properly activate the yeast.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dough itself.

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter: Creates the base for our garlic spread. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy spreading.
Garlic: The star flavor! Fresh minced garlic provides the most aromatic punch.
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors.
Kosher salt: Enhances the garlic butter flavors.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that wonderful stretchy pull when the bread is torn apart.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a deeper, more pronounced cheese flavor that complements the milder mozzarella.

For the Toppings:

Melted butter: Gives the bread a beautiful shine and added richness.
Kosher salt: A finishing sprinkle that makes all the flavors pop.
Fresh parsley: Makes the bread visually appealing and adds a fresh flavor note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this garlicky, cheesy masterpiece? Here are some delicious ways to customize:

Herb Lover’s Version: Add rosemary, thyme, or basil to the garlic butter for an herbaceous twist.
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the garlic butter or add thin slices of jalapeño between the layers.
Mediterranean Style: Include sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta cheese in the filling.
Pepperoni Pizza Bread: Add thin slices of pepperoni and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired version.
Everything Bagel: Top the bread with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a savory flavor boost.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl with a dough hook attached, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. While mixing on low speed, add the warm milk and softened butter until just combined. Then increase to medium speed and knead for 5-6 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides but still feel slightly tacky. Transfer this dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While your dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, tossing them together to create an evenly mixed cheese blend.

Step 3: Shape and Assemble

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a 4-inch disc and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread each disc with a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture, then top with a portion of the cheese blend. Create two stacks of 6 discs each, then carefully transfer these stacks horizontally into a prepared loaf pan. Gently separate the discs slightly to create that signature pull-apart texture.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the loaf pan and let the assembled bread rise again until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F. Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the inside to finish cooking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer the loaf pan to a cooling rack and let it cool slightly. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle with kosher salt, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm for the most indulgent experience.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is at the right temperature (105°F-115°F) – too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won’t activate it properly.
Properly Softened Butter: For both the dough and filling, properly softened butter makes mixing much easier. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Even Portions: Use a kitchen scale to divide your dough into truly equal pieces for even baking.
Don’t Rush the Rise: The rise times are crucial for developing flavor and texture. A cooler kitchen may require longer rise times.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the bread is done, use an instant-read thermometer – the internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
Cheese Control: Don’t go overboard with the cheese (tempting, I know). Too much can make the bread soggy or cause the cheese to overflow during baking.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is versatile enough to complement many meals or stand on its own as a spectacular appetizer.

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping
Pair with a simple green salad for a light meal
Accompany pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna
Serve with soup for a comforting meal
Enjoy with a glass of red wine for an elevated appetizer experience

Serving Suggestions:

Place the bread in the center of the table and let everyone pull off their own pieces. The interactive nature of pull-apart bread makes it perfect for casual gatherings and family meals. For a more formal presentation, pre-separate a few pieces to get things started.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare this bread up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature and complete the second rise (this may take longer coming from the refrigerator) before baking.

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual pieces.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat individual portions in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave briefly (15-30 seconds), but the bread may become slightly chewy.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand in a large bowl. Start with a wooden spoon to combine ingredients, then turn out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Your arms will get a workout, but the results are just as delicious!
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I strongly recommend shredding your own for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has superior flavor for those perfect cheese pulls.
My dough isn’t rising. What went wrong?

Several factors could be at play. Check that your yeast is fresh and not expired. Ensure your milk was warm (105°F-115°F) but not hot when added to the yeast. Also, place your dough in a warm, draft-free spot for rising – near (not on) a preheating oven or in an oven with just the light turned on works well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You have two options: Either prepare through assembly and refrigerate overnight before the second rise (let come to room temperature before baking), or fully bake the bread earlier in the day, then wrap in foil and reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread brings together everything wonderful about homemade bread – the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, and the joy of sharing something special with others. While it takes a bit of time, most of it is hands-off, and the results are absolutely worth it. There’s something magical about everyone gathering around to pull off warm, cheese-filled pieces of this bread. Give it a try the next time you want to make an ordinary meal extraordinary!