Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, but when that bread is infused with fragrant rosemary, roasted garlic, and a golden, buttery crust? Next-level magic. This Rosemary Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a combination of flavors and textures that will make you feel like you’ve mastered the art of homemade bread, even if it’s your first time baking.

I first tried this recipe on a cold, rainy afternoon when all I wanted was something warm and cozy to enjoy with a cup of soup. It turned out to be the perfect antidote to gloomy weather! Since then, it’s become a family favorite for weekend gatherings, cozy movie nights, and as a side for holiday dinners.

This bread is not only delicious but also fun to make. Imagine pulling apart soft, pillowy pieces of bread, each bite packed with garlicky goodness and a hint of earthy rosemary. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, as people naturally reach for piece after piece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

you’re going to love this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread for so many reason! Here are just a few that make them a must try:

• Easy to make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of baking bread. This recipe is super approachable and doesn’t require a fancy bread machine or special equipment.
• Family-friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy tearing into this bread! Its pull-apart design makes it fun for sharing, and the flavors are universally loved.
• Fragrant and flavorful: The combination of garlic and rosemary gives the bread an irresistible aroma that will have your whole kitchen smelling amazing.
• Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside: The butter-soaked layers make the inside soft and fluffy, while the edges get perfectly golden and crispy.

Trust me, this Rosemary Garlic Pull-Apart Bread will become a regular in your kitchen, whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or just enjoy it on its own.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Serves 8-10 people

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread:

dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
• ¼ cup warm water (around 110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

garlic rosemary butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

topping:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Ingredient Notes:

• Instant Yeast: No need to proof this yeast; just mix it right into the dry ingredients! If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water and a little sugar first.
• Fresh Rosemary: This herb gives the bread its signature flavor. Make sure to use fresh, as dried rosemary won’t provide the same fragrant aroma.
• Garlic: For maximum flavor, mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press to ensure it’s distributed evenly through the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread from scratch:

1st Step: Prepare the dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Whisk together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and warm water. Stir in the melted butter and eggs until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.

Tip: Don’t worry if the dough feels a bit soft—it will firm up as it rises.

2nd Step: Let the dough rise

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Tip: If your kitchen is cold, you can let the dough rise in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven.

3rd Step: Prepare the garlic rosemary butter

• While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic rosemary butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned).
• Stir in the chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Tip: Feel free to make extra garlic rosemary butter to brush on top of the finished bread for extra flavor!

4th Step: Shape the dough

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
• Using a pastry brush, generously spread the garlic rosemary butter all over the surface of the dough.

Tip: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter—this is where all that amazing flavor comes from!

5th Step: Assemble the bread

• Cut the dough into equal-sized strips (about 3 inches wide), then stack the strips on top of each other. Cut the stacked strips into 4-5 inch squares.
• Grease a loaf pan and carefully stack the dough squares vertically into the pan, one by one, until all the squares are in place.

Tip: If any dough squares fall over while stacking, just reposition them—it doesn’t have to be perfect!

6th Step: Let the dough rise again

• Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, until it has puffed up slightly.

7th Step: Bake the bread

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Once the dough has risen, brush the top with a little melted butter and sprinkle with fresh rosemary.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
• If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Tip: You’ll know the bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped and the top is a deep golden color.

8th Step: Cool and serve

• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve

This Rosemary Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is perfect for sharing, and there are endless ways to enjoy it:

• As an appetizer: Tear pieces right from the loaf and serve with a side of marinara or olive oil for dipping.
• Alongside dinner: Pair it with a hearty soup, such as tomato basil or butternut squash, for a comforting meal.
• With breakfast: Yes, bread for breakfast! Serve it with soft scrambled eggs or as a savory option with your morning coffee.

However you serve it, this bread is sure to be the star of the table!

Additional Tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread turn out perfectly:

1. Let the dough rise in a warm spot: If your kitchen is on the cooler side, place the dough in the oven (turned off) with just the oven light on. The slight warmth will help the dough rise beautifully.
2. Use fresh garlic and rosemary: Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this bread, so don’t be tempted to swap for dried versions.
3. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bread toward the end of the baking time. It should be golden brown but still soft and tender inside.
4. Make extra garlic butter: If you want a more indulgent bread, brush the finished loaf with extra melted garlic rosemary butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
5. Customize it: Add cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan) between the layers for an extra gooey, savory bread.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as-is, here are some fun variations to keep things fresh:

1. Cheesy version: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan between the layers before baking for a cheesy garlic bread twist.
2. Herb mix: Try adding a mix of thyme and parsley along with the rosemary for a more complex herb flavor.
3. Whole wheat: For a healthier version, swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. The bread will be a bit denser but still delicious!
4. Garlic Parmesan: Replace half of the butter with olive oil and mix in grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory flavor.
5. Sweet variation: For a fun twist, omit the garlic and rosemary, and instead brush the dough with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar for a sweet pull-apart loaf.

Freezing and Storage

These Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread can be stored and frozen for later enjoyment:

• Storage: Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to refresh the bread before serving.
• Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Once it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm it up in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh rosemary?

A: While fresh rosemary gives the bread a more vibrant flavor and aroma, you can substitute it with dried rosemary in a pinch. Use about half the amount of dried rosemary as fresh since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just remember that the flavor might not be as pronounced as with fresh herbs.

Q: How can I make this bread ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the dough and let it rise as usual. After shaping the dough and placing it in the pan, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and rise for 30-45 minutes before baking. This way, you can have fresh bread ready with minimal effort on the day of serving!

Q: Can I add cheese to this pull-apart bread?

A: Absolutely! Adding cheese can take this bread to the next level. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or even cheddar between the dough layers before stacking them in the loaf pan. You’ll end up with gooey, cheesy layers of deliciousness.

Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

A: The bread is done when the top is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 190-200°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can tap the top of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!

Q: Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked bread?

A: Yes! After the first rise, shape the dough and freeze it before the second rise. To bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge, let it come to room temperature and rise again for 30-45 minutes, then bake as usual.

Q: What can I serve this bread with?

A: This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer with olive oil or marinara sauce for dipping, pair it with soups like tomato basil or minestrone, or enjoy it as a side with your favorite pasta dishes. It’s also delicious all on its own!

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Conclusion

Baking bread from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but this Rosemary Garlic Pull-Apart Bread recipe proves that it can be both simple and incredibly rewarding. The combination of fragrant rosemary and savory garlic, infused into soft, buttery layers of bread, is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re tearing into a piece with family at the dinner table or serving it as a shareable appetizer, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

What makes this recipe so wonderful is its versatility. You can customize the herbs, add cheese, or even turn it into a sweet pull-apart loaf if you’re feeling adventurous. The fun of pulling apart each piece and savoring the flavorful layers makes this a memorable dish for any occasion.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food—or just want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread—give this Rosemary Garlic Pull-Apart Bread a try. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress, but even more than that, it’s a recipe that brings people together.