Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 ½ cups warm milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 egg (for brushing) - Fresh rosemary sprigs - Additional cheese types (e.g., parmesan) I love the simple ingredients that make this cheesy pull-apart bread shine. You start with basic items you likely have at home. Flour acts as the base, while the yeast makes it rise. The milk and butter keep the dough rich and soft. The cheeses are where the magic happens. You can use mozzarella for that gooey stretch and cheddar for a sharp bite. Garlic powder and Italian herbs bring in a burst of flavor, making each bite special. For a festive touch, add fresh rosemary on top. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese before baking. This adds a nice golden crust. When you gather these ingredients, you create joy in your kitchen. Plus, the smell while it bakes? It's pure holiday magic! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by mixing warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the yeast to activate. - In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter and yeast mixture. - Combine the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. - Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. - Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. - Spread the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the dough. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried herbs on top. - Cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide. Stack the strips on top of each other to form layers. - Slice the layered dough into squares. Carefully place them upright in a greased bundt pan. - Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg before baking. This gives it a nice golden color. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and the cheese bubbly. - Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a serving platter. To get the right dough consistency, start with warm milk. The milk should feel warm, not hot. It should be around 110°F. Mix the milk with sugar and yeast first. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. This shows the yeast is active. Kneading is key to smooth dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel soft and elastic. You want it to spring back when you poke it. If it sticks to your hands, add a bit more flour. You know your dough has risen enough when it doubles in size. This takes about an hour. Another test is to poke it gently. If it holds the shape, it’s ready. Herbs make a big difference. I like to use dried Italian herbs. Oregano and basil add great taste. You can also try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. They give a lovely aroma. For cheese, mozzarella and cheddar are classic. But you can mix it up! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Gouda adds a rich flavor. Blend cheeses for a gourmet twist. Presentation matters for festive meals. Serve the bread warm on a nice platter. Garnish it with fresh rosemary sprigs. This adds color and a festive touch. Pair the bread with soups or salads. It goes great with a warm bowl of chili. You can also serve it as a snack with dips. A creamy garlic dip works well! Pro Tips Proof Your Yeast: Always check that your yeast is active by ensuring it froths in warm milk with sugar before mixing it into your dough. Layering Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses for depth of flavor; mozzarella for stretch and cheddar for a sharp bite. Let It Rise: Be patient during the rising process; allowing the dough to double in size ensures a light and fluffy bread. Serving Suggestions: Serve this bread warm with a side of marinara sauce or herb-infused olive oil for dipping. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun flavors. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Gouda also works well for a smoky taste. Blending cheeses can create a gourmet experience. Mix mozzarella with gouda or cheddar for a rich flavor. You will impress your guests with these combinations. Want to surprise your family? Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to your bread. These add a savory punch to each bite. For a sweet twist, try mixing in cinnamon and sugar. This makes a fun dessert-style bread. You can create your own special version with these add-ins. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond or coconut flour. These substitutes change the texture, so adjust your measurements. Use about 3 cups of gluten-free flour mix instead of regular flour. You may also need longer rising times. Just keep an eye on the dough. It should double in size like the regular version. To keep your cheesy pull-apart bread fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Properly stored, the bread lasts for up to three days in the fridge. You can also leave it at room temperature for about two days. Just remember, the fresher, the better! To enjoy your bread again, reheat it right. The best method is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a crispy crust, unwrap it for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave small pieces for quick bites. Just remember, do not overheat them! If you want to save bread for later, freezing works great. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy every cheesy pull! You can prepare the dough a day before. After mixing, let it rise. Then, cover it and place it in the fridge overnight. Take it out the next day, let it warm up, and shape it. Then, let it rise again and bake as usual. This saves time on the big day! Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just add it to the flour without activating it first. This will save you a few minutes. Use the same amount as active dry yeast. The bread will still turn out soft and cheesy! If your dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast. It should be fresh and active. If your kitchen is cold, try moving it to a warmer spot. You can also let it rise longer. Just be patient, and it will rise! Absolutely! You can halve the recipe easily. Just use 2 cups of flour and adjust the other ingredients. This way, you can enjoy fresh bread without making too much. Perfect for smaller gatherings! To make this bread vegetarian, skip any meat toppings. Use only cheeses and herbs. You can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more flavor. This makes a tasty treat for everyone at the table! This blog post covered the essential ingredients and straightforward steps to create delicious bread. You can choose from various flavor options, perfect for any meal. Remember to pay attention to the dough's texture and rise time for the best results. Whether you prefer classic cheese blends or unique twists with herbs, there's a perfect recipe for you. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your tasty bread with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread

A festive and cheesy bread perfect for sharing during the holidays.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups warm milk (110°F/43°C)
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture.
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the garlic powder and dried herbs.
Cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide, and then stack the strips on top of each other to create layers.
Slice the layered dough into squares and carefully place them in a greased bundt pan or circular oven-safe dish, standing upright.
Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg before placing in the oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a serving platter.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Provide small napkins for easy pull-apart enjoyment!

Keyword bread, cheesy, holiday, pull-apart