Name: Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water, divided; 1 tsp active dry yeast; 1 tbsp honey; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp salt; 5 tbsp butter; 2 large cloves garlic, finely grated or minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tsp Italian seasoning

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If you love the smell of warm, buttery bread infused with garlic and herbs, then you are going to absolutely adore this Pull Apart Garlic Bread. It’s that perfectly gooey, flavorful treat that brings people together—whether as a cozy snack or a side that elevates any meal. The magic of this recipe lies in its soft, pillowy dough pieces generously coated in a fragrant garlic butter, baked until golden and begging to be pulled apart with your fingers. It’s simple to make but incredibly satisfying, promising moments of pure comfort with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of staple ingredients is all it takes to create this irresistible Pull Apart Garlic Bread. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the tender crumb of the dough to the rich, aromatic garlic butter that soaks into every nook and cranny.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough texture.
Active dry yeast: The key to bringing the dough to life with a light rise.
Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory garlic flavors.
All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the dough, essential for the pull-apart structure.
Unsalted butter (softened): Contributes tenderness and richness in the dough.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps the dough balanced.
Butter (for garlic topping): The star of the garlic butter mixture, providing luscious flavor and moisture.
Garlic: Freshly grated, it gives that unmistakable savory punch.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Italian seasoning: Brings warmth and complexity with its blend of herbs.

How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by mixing half a cup of warm water with the active dry yeast and honey in a large bowl. This warm concoction wakes the yeast up, and within 5 to 10 minutes it will look foamy—that’s your green light to keep going!

Step 2: Combining the Dough Ingredients

Add the flour, softened butter, and salt to your yeast mixture, then gradually pour in the remaining warm water while stirring. The goal is to bring the dough together into a cohesive ball that’s soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Step 3: Kneading and Rising

Knead your dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7 to 10 minutes until it’s silky smooth and elastic—this step is crucial for that perfect pull-apart texture. Then cover it with a cloth and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Patience here rewards you with airy bread!

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

While your dough rises, melt butter gently on low heat and add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so all those flavors mingle and infuse into the butter, creating a heavenly garlicky scent.

Step 5: Shaping and Coating

Once risen, give your dough a gentle punch to release the air, then roll it into a roughly 1-inch thick tube and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Toss these tasty dough morsels in the warm garlic butter until each piece is lovingly coated.

Step 6: Baking to Golden Perfection

Arrange the garlic-butter coated pieces snugly in a greased loaf pan and pop it into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. After 20 to 25 minutes, you’ll have a radiant loaf of Pull Apart Garlic Bread that’s golden on the outside, fluffy and buttery inside, ready for any occasion.

How to Serve Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Garnishes

To add a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This brightens the look and adds a fresh, herbal flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich garlic butter.

Side Dishes

Pull Apart Garlic Bread pairs wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like pasta, lasagna, or hearty soups. It also stands on its own as a delightful appetizer or accompaniment to a cozy movie night or family dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the bread pieces in a circular pattern on a platter for sharing, or serve it warm alongside a small bowl of marinara or cheesy dip. Watching everyone reach in to tear the bread apart is half the joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep that irresistible garlic butter flavor fresh, lightly cover with foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked Pull Apart Garlic Bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well for up to three months, perfect for a future craving or last-minute dinner addition.

Reheating

For the best revival, thaw the bread at room temperature, then warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and gives a lovely crisp to the crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough to make Pull Apart Garlic Bread?

Absolutely! Using pre-made pizza or bread dough can save time and still yield delicious results. Just follow the tossing and baking steps with the garlic butter topping.

Is Pull Apart Garlic Bread gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free baking mix designed for bread if you want to adapt it.

How can I make Pull Apart Garlic Bread more buttery?

If you love butter, feel free to add a little extra melted butter over the bread right after baking. Adding garlic butter dipping sauce on the side is also a crowd-pleaser.

Can I add cheese to the Pull Apart Garlic Bread?

Yes! Folding small cubes of mozzarella into the dough pieces before baking or sprinkling grated Parmesan on top before baking can add cheesy goodness that pairs beautifully with the garlic flavor.

What’s the best way to serve Pull Apart Garlic Bread warm?

Serving it immediately out of the oven is ideal, but if you need to reheat, a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel keeps it soft and melty.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely believe that making Pull Apart Garlic Bread at home brings a special kind of joy—there’s nothing quite like the experience of sharing warm, fragrant bread that everyone pulls apart piece by piece. It’s simple, fun, and guarantees smiles all around the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your most requested favorites. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this timeless, delicious treat.

Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pull Apart Garlic Bread recipe features soft, fluffy dough pieces coated in a savory garlic butter blend infused with fresh parsley and Italian seasoning. Perfectly golden and irresistible, it’s an ideal side for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering a delightful way to enjoy classic garlic bread with a fun, shareable twist.

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Combine Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup warm water, mixing continuously until the dough begins to form a ball. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a bowl, cover with a dishcloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the dough is resting, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the grated garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning. Cook gently for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat.
Shape the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 1-inch thick tube. Cut the tube into 1-inch pieces.
Coat the Dough Pieces: Toss the dough pieces thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Bake: Arrange the coated dough pieces in a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top.
Serve: Optionally garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pull apart garlic bread.

Notes

Use warm, not hot water to activate the yeast without killing it.
If your dough is sticky, add flour gradually to avoid a tough texture.
For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of garlic to the butter.
Make sure to cover the dough during resting to prevent it from drying out.
This bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American