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How to Make Pull Apart Bread: The Ultimate Garlic Butter Guide


  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make bakery-quality Pull Apart Garlic Bread from scratch with this foolproof guide. Featuring golden, buttery layers infused with garlic, herbs, and parsley, this show-stopping side dish is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Soft on the inside and crisp on the edges—every piece bursts with irresistible flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water, divided
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp salt

For Garlic Butter Topping:

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: Combine ½ cup warm water (110°F), yeast, and honey in a mixing bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Build dough: Add flour, butter, and salt. Gradually mix in remaining ½ cup water until a dough forms.
  3. Knead: Knead on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes (or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare garlic butter: Melt butter over low heat, add garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Cook gently for 2 minutes without browning.
  6. Shape dough: Punch down dough, roll into a 1-inch thick log, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Coat pieces: Toss dough pieces in garlic butter until evenly coated.
  8. Arrange and bake: Place in greased 8×4-inch loaf pan, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for maximum flavor.

Notes

Ensure yeast is fresh and water is around 110°F for best activation. Knead thoroughly for soft, airy bread. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to maintain even rise. For dairy-free versions, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives. Bread is best served fresh but can be reheated in a 325°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pull apart garlic bread, homemade bread, garlic butter bread, yeast bread, party appetizer