Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

I never thought I’d find a Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe easier and more rewarding to make than this one. Imagine warm, buttery layers scented with fresh rosemary and garlic, oozing with melted cheese as you pull apart each fluffy piece. The golden crust with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a perfect finishing touch that’s simply irresistible for cozy gatherings or a comforting snack.

Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

• Rich, savory flavors: The marriage of fresh herbs, garlic, and melted cheese creates a loaf bursting with irresistible aroma and taste that fills your kitchen with warmth.
• Simple yet special ingredients: Using pantry staples like all-purpose flour and butter combined with fresh rosemary and garlic brings gourmet flavor without overwhelming your shopping list.
• Perfect for sharing: This pull apart bread is an ideal centerpiece for casual family dinners or entertaining friends, inviting everyone to savor delicious, tender pieces straight from the loaf.
• Impressive presentation: The beautifully layered dough balls folded with herb butter and cheese create a stunning loaf that looks as delightful as it tastes.
• Customizable filling: You can tailor the cheese blend or herb combination to suit your cravings or what you have on hand in the kitchen.

Why This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe Works

This recipe shines thanks to its careful use of Platinum Yeast from Red Star, which gives the dough a perfect rise and texture. The method combines a two-stage rise allowing the dough to develop lightness and flavor. The softened butter filling mixed with fresh rosemary, parsley, and garlic infuses the bread with aromatic richness that melts beautifully inside each folded piece. Baking at a steady 350°F (177°C) ensures a golden crust without drying out the tender interior, while a final brush of melted butter and sprinkling of sea salt add to the comforting, savory finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Gather cozy, flavorful ingredients that transform into this mouthwatering bread—fresh herbs, rich butter, melted cheese, and a soft batter that turns into pure comfort.

• 2 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star: The secret to a light, fluffy dough that rises beautifully.
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast to kickstart fermentation and slight sweetness.
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Warmed to about 110°F (43°C) to breed a tender crumb and rich dough.
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Enriches the dough base with creamy softness.
• 1 large egg: Adds structure and moisture for the perfect loaf.
• 2 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of this bread; spooned and leveled for precision.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and strengthens dough gluten.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle garlicky undertone within the dough.
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried): The star herb bringing evergreen aroma and flavor.
• 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, extra soft (for filling): The buttery canvas for herbs and garlic to shine.
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried): Adds fresh, slightly peppery brightness in the filling.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: The soulful punch of garlic in each bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the filling’s flavor depth.
• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan, mozzarella, or white cheddar cheese: Melty, savory cheese that ties the filling together.
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for topping): Brushed on the finished loaf for a brilliant gleam and rich taste.
• Coarse or flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for irresistible crunch and flavor pops.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Platinum Yeast: You can substitute with active dry yeast if needed, but adjust rising times slightly.
• Butter: Use salted butter in a pinch but reduce salt elsewhere to balance flavors.
• Herbs: If fresh rosemary is unavailable, dried is perfectly fine, just use less to avoid overpowering.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with your favorite melty cheeses like gouda or fontina for a unique twist.

How to Make Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Make the dough

Start by mixing yeast and sugar in your stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl), then pour warm milk heated to around 110°F (43°C) over it. Whisk gently, cover with a towel, and wait until it froths—this signals your yeast is active and ready.

💡 Pro Tip: Frothy yeast means your bread will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix dough if no mixer

Don’t fret if you lack a mixer. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to combine ingredients by hand, getting familiar with your dough’s texture as you go.

💡 Pro Tip: Manual mixing lets you feel when your dough is ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add ingredients

Introduce softened butter, egg, flour, salt, garlic powder, and rosemary to the bowl. Beat on low speed until the dough comes away from the bowl sides, about 3 minutes. If too sticky, add flour tablespoon by tablespoon until manageable but still soft.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t add too much flour—keep the dough soft for tender bread.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Switch to the dough hook and knead for 5 full minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface. Your dough should feel soft but elastic, slowly bouncing back when poked. Perform a windowpane test to confirm gluten development.

💡 Pro Tip: Perfect kneading is key for airy, fluffy bread.

Step 5: 1st Rise

Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, around 60-90 minutes. Use a warm oven trick if needed to speed the process.

💡 Pro Tip: Proper rising ensures tender texture and great flavor.

Step 6: Prepare filling

While your dough rises, blend soft butter with rosemary, parsley, garlic, and salt until creamy. Cover and keep at room temperature until ready to spread.

💡 Pro Tip: Mixing filling ahead lets flavors meld perfectly.

Step 7: Assemble the bread

Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a floured surface, and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into approximately 4-inch circles. Spread 1-2 teaspoons of herb butter on each, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cheese, then fold in half and arrange folded pieces in your prepared loaf pan.

💡 Pro Tip: No need for perfect rounds—the rustic shapes add charm!

Step 8: 2nd Rise

Cover dough in the pan and let it puff up in a warm place for about 45 minutes, priming the bread to rise perfectly once baked.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step; the fluffier the rise, the softer the bread.

Step 9: Preheat oven

Set your oven rack lower third and preheat to 350°F (177°C) so the bread bakes evenly into a beautiful golden loaf.

💡 Pro Tip: Proper oven temperature is essential for an even bake.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the bread for about 50 minutes, tenting with foil if it browns too quickly. Watch for that bubbly, golden top, with melted butter soaking into the bread’s edges for superb moistness. Once done, brush with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sea salt for that signature pull-apart bread finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the butter brushing; it elevates flavor and appearance.

Step 11: Cool and serve

Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing so it sets nicely. Serve warm to enjoy the full melty, herby, garlicky goodness.

💡 Pro Tip: Freshly baked and warm is simply unbeatable.

Step 12: Store leftovers

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To soften the crust again, reheat in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or briefly microwave.

💡 Pro Tip: Reheating revives that soft, fresh-baked texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Not warming milk correctly: Too cold or too hot milk can kill yeast or slow rising.
• Using too much flour: Leads to dense, dry bread rather than soft and fluffy.
• Skipping the second rise: The dough won’t reach ideal softness or the pull-apart effect.
• Overbaking: Can dry out the bread; check for golden color and softly baked texture.
• Not softening the butter for filling: Makes spreading difficult and uneven flavor distribution.
• Ignoring the windowpane test: Dough might be under-kneaded, affecting texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe, these variations will keep your bread game exciting:

Cheesy Herb Medley

Mix in fresh thyme and oregano with your rosemary and parsley, and swap the cheese for a combo of gouda and white cheddar for a more complex, cheesy bite.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil

Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the herb butter filling for a Mediterranean twist bursting with color and flavor.

Spicy Jalapeño and Cilantro

For a kick, fold in minced jalapeños and chopped cilantro to the filling and use pepper jack cheese instead of the usual parmesan or mozzarella.

Lemon Rosemary Zest

Add lemon zest to the butter filling for a bright, fresh note that beautifully complements the rosemary and garlic.

Olive and Parmesan Blend

Stir in finely diced black or green olives with extra parmesan for a salty, savory flavor that pairs nicely with the bread’s softness.

Try our Fluffy Garlic Butter Rolls: Irresistible Homemade Garlic Bread for a similar treat that’s equally comforting and delicious.

How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra parmesan cheese just before serving adds a lovely fresh touch. For a final flourish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or drizzle some flavored infused oil.

Side Dishes

This bread makes a perfect companion to hearty soups, creamy pastas, or vibrant salads. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or your favorite tomato basil soup for a cozy, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the bread on a rustic wooden board inviting guests to pull apart pieces themselves, or serve in a bread basket lined with a colorful linen napkin. This approach makes the sharing experience casual and heartwarming. Also, consider serving alongside our Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze for an inviting bread board with both savory and sweet options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the dough and let it complete its first rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before shaping and assembling for the second rise. The filling can be made a day ahead and left covered at room temperature.

Storage

Store the baked bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to preserve moistness.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore tenderness and flavors. For a quick heat, microwave portions briefly but watch for moisture loss.

Expert Tips for Success

• Measure flour carefully: Spoon and level to avoid dense dough.
• Ensure yeast is fresh and active: Look for froth before mixing dough.
• Soft but not sticky dough: Adjust flour slightly during kneading to perfect texture.
• Room temperature ingredients: Butter and egg create better dough cohesion at room temp.
• Let the bread cool slightly: This prevents dough from being gummy when sliced.
• Use fresh herbs when possible: For best aroma and flavor punch.
• Don’t skip the melted butter finish: It keeps the crust soft and shiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

This recipe relies on gluten development for its texture, so a gluten-free flour blend wouldn’t create the same pull-apart effect.

Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh?

Yes! Use two teaspoons dried rosemary or parsley to replace one tablespoon fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated so use less.

What type of cheese works best?

Parmesan, mozzarella, or white cheddar all work beautifully. Choose melty varieties you love.

Can I skip the second rise?

The second rise is important for texture and lightness. Skipping it will result in denser bread.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The loaf will turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough after the first rise and continue the recipe the next day.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely, this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly and free of animal-based rennet or meat products.

Final Thoughts

This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe invites you to slow down and savor each delicious, buttery bite. From the soft, pillowy layers to the vibrant, herb-filled aroma, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and comfort with every pull. Whether sharing with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment, this bread promises to delight both your senses and your heart. Grab your ingredients, and enjoy this irresistible baking adventure—it’s worth every moment in your kitchen.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love these delicious recipes:

• Fluffy Garlic Butter Rolls: Irresistible Homemade Garlic Bread – Soft, buttery rolls infused with garlic and herbs, perfect for dinner or snacking.
• Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze | Fresh & Irresistible – A bright, sweet bread packed with fresh blueberries and a tangy lemon glaze for a refreshing twist.

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