The Complete Guide to Mastering Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread

Serving:

Serve the bread warm for the best experience, as the cheese will be beautifully gooey. Provide guests with napkins for easy sharing, making the pull-apart experience even more enjoyable.

Baking:

Baking time and temperature are key for achieving perfectly risen bread. Watch closely for the bread to turn golden brown and ensure that it sounds hollow when tapped. Allowing it to cool slightly before removing from the pan prevents it from falling apart.

Brushing with Butter:

Brushing melted butter over the dough not only adds flavor but also promotes a golden, crispy crust. Don't skimp on this step; it enhances the overall taste and gives your bread that appealing shine.

Layering in Bundt Pan:

Layering the filled dough squares in the bundt pan creates a beautiful presentation and allows space for the bread to rise. Place them strategically to ensure the filling is distributed evenly throughout the bread.

Shaping the Dough:

Cutting the dough into squares should be done evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Aim for about 2-3 inches per square, creating enough space to fill them generously with cheese without risking spillage.

Filling Preparation:

Mixing the filling ingredients well is crucial for ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Combine shredded cheeses, fresh herbs, and garlic evenly, and taste the mixture to adjust seasonings according to preference.

Rising the Dough:

Allowing the dough to rise lets the yeast work its magic, creating air bubbles that will make the bread light and fluffy. Choose a warm environment, like an unheated oven with the light on, and cover the dough to retain moisture for the best results.

Maximize Your Cheesy Bread Experience

Pair with marinara sauce or a light salad for a complete meal.

If you don’t have a bundt pan, use a round cake pan but reduce baking time slightly.

Shape the dough into holiday-themed forms for extra festive flair!

Prepare the filling the night before and assemble in the morning for easier holiday hosting.

Deliciously Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread with Garlic and Herbs

Name: Deliciously Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread with Garlic and Herbs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough:; 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk (110°F), to activate the yeast; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Filling:; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is the ultimate festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. Loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory garlic, and fragrant fresh herbs, each pull reveals a soft, buttery interior that dances between sweet and savory flavors. Perfect as an appetizer at Christmas parties, a side for holiday dinners, or a cozy snack during family movie nights, this bread is sure to become a cherished tradition. The combination of warm, melted cheese and the aromatic scent of baked dough creates an inviting atmosphere that warms your heart and home. As guests gather around, the shared experience of tearing off a piece of this delightful bread adds to the festive spirit. Make this your go-to recipe to celebrate the season and create memorable moments with friends and family.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1 cup warm milk (110°F), to activate the yeast

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Stir in melted butter, salt, and flour gradually to form a soft dough. Knead for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, and oregano in a bowl.

Step 5: Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface.

Step 6: Cut the dough into squares and place a spoonful of the cheese mixture on top of each square.

Step 7: Fold each square into a pocket and place them in a greased bundt pan, layering them as you go.

Step 8: Brush the melted butter over the stacked dough and sprinkle with garlic powder if desired.

Step 9: Cover the bundt pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Let cool for a few minutes before flipping the pan upside down onto a serving platter.

Step 12: Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart each gooey piece!

Deliciously Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread with Garlic and Herbs

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Complete Guide to Mastering Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread

Deliciously Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread with Garlic and Herbs

Ingredients

Instructions