Name: Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head garlic; 1 drizzle olive oil; 6 oz unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/4 cup honey (+ more for topping); 1 lemon (zest only); 1 pinch salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste); 1 cup parmesan (divided); 1/4 cup chives (chopped, + more for topping); 1 1/2 tbsp rosemary (chopped); 1 loaf brioche or Japanese milk bread (not sliced); 8 oz extra sharp white cheddar (sliced, adjust for loaf size)

Ingredients

1 head garlic

1 drizzle olive oil

6 oz unsalted butter (room temperature)

1/4 cup honey (plus more for topping)

1 lemon (zest only)

1 pinch salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup parmesan (divided)

1/4 cup chives (chopped, plus more for topping)

1 1/2 tbsp rosemary (chopped)

1 loaf brioche or Japanese milk bread (not sliced)

8 oz extra sharp white cheddar (sliced, adjust for loaf size)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 1 hour. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 2: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the butter, honey, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, 1/3 cup parmesan, chopped chives, and rosemary. Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves into the mixture and stir well.

Step 3: Make 1 to 1.5 inch deep slits in the bread, spacing them about an inch apart, being careful not to cut through the bottom crust. Spread the garlic butter generously between and on both sides of the slices as well as over the loaf’s exterior. Insert a slice of cheddar cheese into each slit.

Step 4: Grate the remaining parmesan over the top of the loaf. Wrap the bottom half of the loaf tightly in foil to keep its shape and cover the top loosely with foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Then, remove the top foil and loosen the sides, baking uncovered for another 6 to 10 minutes until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 5: Once out of the oven, drizzle the loaf with honey and sprinkle additional chopped chives on top. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart this flavorful bread.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.

Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor and melt.

To keep the bread soft, wrap any leftovers in foil and store in an airtight container.

Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a different herbal aroma.

Storage

Store any leftover pull-apart bread wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore freshness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche or Japanese milk bread are ideal for their soft texture, but you can substitute with a crusty loaf like sourdough or a rustic white bread. Just ensure it’s unsliced and firm enough to hold the fillings.

Do I need to use roasted garlic?

Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and adds a sweet, nutty depth to the butter mixture, but if short on time, you can use fresh minced garlic for a sharper taste.