A soft, fluffy garlic herb pull-apart bread filled with buttery garlic flavor, fresh herbs, and a golden crispy crust. This homemade bread is perfect as a side dish with soups, pasta, grilled meats, or simply enjoyed warm with butter.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Proofing Time: 1½ hours
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 2½ hours
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter Filling
- 5 tbsp butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Topping
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Extra herbs
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Method
1. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl combine:
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Yeast
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add:
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Salt
Gradually add flour and mix into a soft dough.
2. Knead & Rise
Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
3. Make Garlic Butter
Mix together:
- Soft butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Pepper
- Cheese
Set aside.
4. Shape the Bread
Punch down dough and divide into small pieces.
Flatten each piece and spread with garlic herb butter.
Stack pieces together and place vertically in a greased loaf pan.
5. Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until fluffy.
6. Bake
Brush the top with melted butter.
Bake at:
375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes
until golden brown.
7. Serve
Cool slightly, brush with extra garlic butter, and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast properly.
- Do not add too much flour; a slightly soft dough makes the bread fluffy.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- Cover bread loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Serve warm for the best pull-apart texture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with:
- Tomato soup
- Pasta dishes
- Chicken recipes
- Steak or grilled foods
- Dipping sauces
Storage
Store in an airtight container:
- Room temperature: 2 days
- Refrigerator: 5 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat slightly before serving.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 10 slices):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes. Replace the egg with 3 tablespoons of yogurt or milk.
2. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Mix instant yeast directly with the flour and continue the recipe.
3. Can I prepare the dough ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it to room temperature before baking.
4. How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add mozzarella between the dough layers before baking.
5. Why is my bread not fluffy?
Make sure the yeast is active and allow enough rising time.
Final Result: A soft, buttery, golden garlic herb bread with layers that pull apart easily—perfect for sharing with family and friends.
