Description
This Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread is a savory, aromatic loaf featuring a fluffy yeast dough layered with garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese. The stacked strips of dough bake into a pull-apart masterpiece, perfect for sharing as a flavorful side or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 500g plain flour
- 1/2 tablespoon dried yeast granules
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon bread improver
- 325ml water at room temperature
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Herb and Cheese Filling
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1/3 cup chopped continental parsley
- 1/3 cup chopped basil
- 1/4 cup chopped rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted or softened
- 200g grated Philly and Tasty cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together flour, dried yeast, salt, sugar, and bread improver. Gradually add half the water to the dry ingredients while mixing, then slowly incorporate the rest of the water until the dough begins to come together into a ball.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead in the olive oil. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and well combined.
- First Proof: Place the dough ball back into the bowl and cover with cling wrap and a tea towel. Leave in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Knock back the risen dough to release air. Divide dough into two halves. Roll each into a rectangle approximately 50cm by 25cm, trimming edges to make straight sides.
- Add the Filling: Spread butter evenly over both rectangles. Sprinkle crushed garlic, the herb mixture (parsley, basil, rosemary), and grated cheeses evenly over each.
- Slice the Dough: Using a very sharp knife, cut each rectangle into strips matching the height of your loaf tins. Stack strips vertically and then cut the stacked strips into squares the width of your loaf tins.
- Assemble in Loaf Tins: Grease or line your loaf tins. Stack the dough squares on top of each other, turn the stack on its side, and place into the tins. It’s fine if the dough doesn’t fill the tins to the edges as it will rise again.
- Second Proof: Cover the tins with cling wrap and allow the dough to rest for an additional 30 minutes. At this stage, you can optionally freeze the unbaked loaves for later use.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 190°C (374°F). Remove cling wrap and bake the loaves for 55 minutes or until golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove loaves from oven and cool in tins for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, garlicky layers.
Notes
- Ensure to knead the dough thoroughly for a light and fluffy texture.
- Dough rising times may vary depending on room temperature.
- Freezing the assembled but unbaked loaf is a convenient option for make-ahead baking.
- Use a sharp knife to achieve clean cuts in the dough for stacking.
- Serve warm to enjoy the full melty cheese experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: pull apart bread, garlic bread, herb bread, cheesy bread, savory bread, homemade bread
