Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Few things are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Add garlic, butter, and herbs to the mix, and you’ve got a side dish that no one can resist. This Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a homemade version of everyone’s favorite garlic bread, taken to the next level with a fluffy, buttery texture and a rich garlic-herb topping.
Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply as a cozy treat alongside pasta, soups, or grilled dishes, this bread is as fun to eat as it is delicious. The dough is soft, the garlic butter is savory, and the pull-apart presentation makes it a shareable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this heavenly Pull Apart Garlic Bread:
For the Dough:
- 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
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2 large cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect loaf of Pull Apart Garlic Bread:
1. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, butter, and salt, then mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup warm water, stirring between each addition until the dough comes together into a ball. If too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- While the dough is resting, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to release the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release air.
- Shape the dough into a tube about 1-inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Toss each dough piece in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
- Place the coated pieces into a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Arrange them loosely so they have space to expand as they bake.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve warm.
About the Recipe
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread combines the timeless love of garlic bread with the fun, tear-and-share style of pull-apart bread. The result is a side dish that feels casual yet indulgent.
Helpful Tips
- Perfect Rise: Be patient with the dough. A full hour of resting ensures maximum fluffiness.
- Infuse Flavor Deeply: Don’t rush the garlic butter step. Letting the herbs and garlic cook gently makes the flavor richer.
- Pan Options: A loaf pan creates a compact pull-apart loaf, but you can also use a Bundt pan for a striking presentation.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the dough pieces before tossing them in garlic butter.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for a gentle heat.
- Herb Lovers’ Version: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo
- Creamy soups such as tomato basil or broccoli cheddar
- Grilled meats and roasted vegetables
- As a standalone snack with marinara or ranch dipping sauce
Nutrition Insights
A serving of Pull Apart Garlic Bread contains about:
- Calories: 200–250 kcal
- Fat: ~10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Protein: ~4 g
It’s indulgent yet satisfying, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Conclusion
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish it’s an experience. Fluffy, buttery, and bursting with garlicky goodness, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable. The pull-apart style makes it perfect for sharing, whether at family dinners, festive holidays, or casual get-togethers with friends.
So, roll up your sleeves, let the aroma of fresh bread fill your kitchen, and give this recipe a try. Once you do, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your home. Don’t forget to share your version—you might just inspire someone else to bake this irresistible bread too!