A buttery, cheesy pull-apart loaf that is a crowd favorite, perfect for serving with pasta or hearty stews.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:15 minutes (plus 1 hour rise)
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hr 45 mins
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy—a must-do step for fluffy, bakery-style bread and fail-proof rise every time.
Mix the Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic—the base for a soft, tender crumb and perfect homemade bread texture.
Let It Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled. This step is key to getting that puffy, pull-apart bread that’s total comfort food gold.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Brush this garlicky goodness all over the dough—flavor-loaded topping and next-level cheesy finish.
Shape, Bake & Serve: Punch down dough, shape into a loaf or rolls, and place in a greased baking pan. Brush with herb butter again. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve warm—your go-to side for pasta nights or hearty stews.
Notes
Make sure the water is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
You can add more herbs or cheese to the topping for extra flavor.
This bread is best served warm but can be reheated in the oven.