Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Easy Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe: Irresistible Bites

Rosemary garlic pull apart bread refines ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds and sparks conversation around any dining table.

Bold herb-infused aromas waft through kitchens, promising delectable sensations with each torn morsel.

Soft, pillowy layers beckon hungry guests to break bread together in delightful communal moments.

Fragrant rosemary and robust garlic intertwine, creating a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across palates.

Home cooks can easily craft this showstopping side dish that looks complex but requires minimal technical skill.

Inviting golden-brown edges promise crispy exterior textures that contrast beautifully with tender inner crumbs.

Warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible, this bread elevates casual meals into memorable gatherings.

Why Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Is Worth the Effort

  • Savor Aromatic Herb Explosion: The combination of rosemary and garlic creates an irresistible fragrance that fills your kitchen with mouth-watering warmth and excitement.
  • Enjoy Playful Texture Adventure: Pull-apart bread offers a delightful interactive eating experience, with soft, pillowy sections that tear easily and reveal gorgeous layers of cheesy, herby goodness.
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Bread Making: This recipe walks you through simple steps with clear instructions, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to develop confidence in creating delicious homemade bread without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Herb-Packed, Buttery Pull Apart Bread

Main Dough Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and backbone for the bread, all-purpose works best for soft texture.
  • Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating airy, light texture, make sure it's fresh and active.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning, enhances overall flavor.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate yeast, use whole milk for richer taste.
  • Butter: Provides richness and softness to the dough, use unsalted for better control of salt.
  • Egg: Adds structure and helps bind ingredients together, room temperature works best.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Rosemary, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add aromatic flavor and visual appeal, finely chop for even distribution.
  • Garlic Powder, Garlic: Provides deep savory flavor, fresh garlic offers more intense taste.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the bread's richness, use fine sea salt.
Cheese and Filling Ingredients:
  • Cheese: Adds creamy, tangy element to the bread, choose a melting cheese like parmesan or mozzarella.
  • Butter (for filling): Creates a flavorful, rich spread that helps bind herbs and seasonings.

How to Shape and Bake Soft Pull Apart Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine yeast and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Warm milk to 110°F and pour over yeast mixture. Whisk gently and cover with a kitchen towel. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

Add ingredients to the yeast mixture:
  • Softened butter
  • Egg
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Rosemary

Mix on low speed for 3 minutes until soft and smooth.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Continue kneading using dough hook for 5 minutes. If too sticky, add flour one teaspoon at a time. Dough is ready when it slowly springs back after being poked.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Flavor-Packed Filling

Mix together in a medium bowl:
  • Softened butter
  • Rosemary
  • Parsley
  • Garlic
  • Salt

Cover and set aside at room temperature.

Step 6: Shape and Fill

Punch down dough and transfer to floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle. Spread filling on each circle and sprinkle with cheese. Fold circles in half and arrange in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover pan with plastic wrap. Let dough rise again in a warm spot until puffy, about 45 minutes.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rack in lower third of oven. Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly. Optional: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sea salt.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

Step 10: Storage Tips

Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave until warm.

Tips for Even Rising and Flavorful Crusts

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is precisely 110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a frothy, bubbly mixture for optimal bread rise.
  • Knead with Confidence: Don't overwork the dough; stop kneading when it becomes smooth and springs back slightly when touched, indicating perfect gluten development.
  • Control Moisture Masterfully: Add flour sparingly during kneading to prevent a dry, tough bread- the dough should remain slightly tacky but not sticky.
  • Rise in Warmth: Choose a draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with the light on, maintaining a consistent 80-85°F environment for ideal dough expansion.
  • Golden Brown Perfection: Watch bread carefully during baking, tenting with foil if top browns too quickly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful exterior.

Best Ways to Keep Pull Apart Bread Fresh and Fluffy

  • Room Temperature Storage: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve moisture and freshness. Keep at room temperature for maximum 2 days in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Seal the bread in a ziplock bag or container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy texture.
  • Reheating Method: Warm the bread in a preheated 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating and maintaining soft texture.

Soups and Mains That Go Great with Rosemary Garlic Bread

  • Pair with Creamy Chardonnay: The buttery notes of a chardonnay beautifully complement the rosemary and garlic flavors in the bread, creating a smooth and luxurious taste experience.
  • Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: The aromatic rosemary in the bread pairs perfectly with a tender roasted chicken, enhancing the herb profile and creating a comforting meal.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Tomato Soup: The warm, garlicky bread becomes an ideal dipping companion for a rich, tangy tomato soup, adding texture and depth to each bite.
  • Combine with Mediterranean Salad: A crisp salad with feta, olives, and cucumber provides a fresh contrast to the rich, savory bread, balancing the overall flavor profile.

Twists to Try with Cheese, Herbs, or Dough

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace rosemary with a blend of oregano, thyme, and basil for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile. Swap regular cheese with crumbled feta for an authentic Greek touch.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Version: Mix diced jalapeños into the filling and use pepper jack cheese instead of traditional cheese. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity.
  • Caramelized Onion Savory Bread: Incorporate finely chopped caramelized onions into the butter mixture. Use gruyère cheese for a rich, nutty undertone that complements the sweet onion notes.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Variation: Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling and replace some of the butter with olive oil. Top with grated parmesan cheese for an intense, umami-rich experience.
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Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rosemary garlic pull apart bread brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen with fragrant herbs and rich flavors. Layers of buttery dough infused with aromatic rosemary and roasted garlic create an irresistible companion for sharing and savoring together.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 and ⅓ cups (291g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (95g) shredded parmesan, mozzarella, or white cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons platinum yeast from Red Star
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Topping and Filling Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (86g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • Coarse or flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining it with sugar in a stand mixer bowl, then gently pour warm milk over the mixture and allow it to become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Incorporate softened butter, egg, flour, salt, garlic powder, and rosemary into the bowl, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough using the mixer or by hand, adding small amounts of flour if too sticky, until the texture becomes smooth and elastic with a slight bounce-back when pressed.
  4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-90 minutes.
  5. Prepare the filling by blending softened butter with rosemary, parsley, garlic, and salt, setting it aside at room temperature.
  6. Deflate the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions, flattening each piece into a circular shape.
  7. Spread herbed butter on each dough circle, sprinkle with cheese, then fold into half-moon shapes.
  8. Arrange the folded dough pieces in a greased loaf pan with rounded sides facing upward.
  9. Allow the arranged bread to undergo a second rise, covered, until puffy and expanded, around 45 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the lower third, and bake the bread until golden brown, approximately 50 minutes.
  11. Protect the bread’s surface with foil if browning too quickly, and optionally brush with melted butter and sea salt.
  12. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then serve warm.
  13. Store leftovers at room temperature for two days or refrigerate for up to a week, reheating in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

  • Activate yeast precisely at 110°F to ensure perfect bread rise and soft texture.
  • Handle dough gently, adding flour sparingly to maintain a slightly tacky consistency for optimal bread structure.
  • Create uniform dough circles by using a ¼ cup measure for consistent sizing and even baking.
  • Protect bread’s golden crust by tenting with foil if browning too quickly during baking.
  • Restore bread’s freshness by reheating at 300°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  • Enhance flavor by brushing warm bread with melted butter and sprinkling sea salt for a gourmet finish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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