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Gooey Pull Apart Cheese Bread Recipe Easy Crispy Herb Crust Delight

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A quick and easy pull apart cheese bread with a gooey cheese center and crispy herb crust, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for yeast activation)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups (about 200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Pinch of coarse sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (1 cup/240 ml) with sugar (1 tablespoon) and sprinkle the active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons) on top. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (3 cups/360 g) and salt (1 teaspoon). Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil (2 tablespoons). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for about 6-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter (4 tablespoons), chopped parsley (2 tablespoons), rosemary (1 tablespoon), dried oregano (1 teaspoon), and grated Parmesan (¼ cup). Set aside.
  6. Shape the bread: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×12-inch (30×30 cm) square. Cut the dough into roughly 1.5-inch (4 cm) squares using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
  7. Layer with cheese: Dip each dough square into the garlic (2 cloves, minced) and cheese mixture (2 cups mozzarella + 1 cup cheddar), making sure to coat well, then layer them into the prepared 9-inch round pan or cast iron skillet, stacking loosely but evenly.
  8. Brush with herb butter: Generously brush the top and sides of the stacked dough squares with the herb butter mixture.
  9. Second rise: Cover the pan lightly and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
  11. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

If the crust browns too quickly, tent the bread loosely with foil halfway through baking. Keep an eye on cheese quantity to avoid excessive oozing. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning. Let bread cool slightly before pulling apart to avoid molten cheese mess.

Nutrition

Keywords: pull apart bread, cheese bread, gooey cheese, herb crust, easy bread recipe, family recipe, potluck bread

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/gooey-pull-apart-cheese-bread-recipe-easy-crispy-herb-crust-delight/