June 29, 2025

Easy Homemade Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Make irresistible homemade Pull Apart Garlic Bread! Soft yeast dough coated in a savory garlic-herb butter, perfect for sharing. Get the easy recipe for your next family meal!

Get ready to fall in love with our family-favorite Pull Apart Garlic Bread! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping side dish that’s incredibly fun to eat. Each tender piece is infused with buttery garlic and herbs, making it the perfect companion for any meal.

Garlic bread, in various forms, has been a beloved accompaniment to Italian-American meals for decades, often evolving from simple bruschetta or toasted bread rubbed with garlic. The “pull-apart” style is a modern, playful twist that makes sharing even more enjoyable, turning a classic side into an interactive experience.

Make it Easier (Shortcuts):

Pre-made Dough: Use 2 pounds (about 900g) of store-bought frozen bread dough, thawed according to package directions. This significantly cuts down on prep and rising time.
Garlic Powder Shortcut: For a super quick garlic hit, substitute 1 ½ – 2 teaspoons of garlic powder for the fresh minced garlic in the topping.

Add More Flavor (Enhancements):

Parmesan Boost: Add ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture for a salty, umami kick.
Fresh Herbs: Swap dried parsley and oregano for 2 tablespoons (total) of fresh, finely chopped Italian parsley and oregano for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions / Drink Pairings:

Pasta Perfection: The ultimate partner for any pasta dish, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to a creamy Alfredo.
Soup & Salad Side: Excellent for dipping into hearty soups like minestrone or tomato soup, and a great addition to a fresh green salad.
Drink Pairing: Complements a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red such as a Barbera or young Sangiovese. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a classic iced tea.

Variations:

Cheesy Garlic Bread: In addition to the butter mixture, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or a mozzarella-provolone blend between the layers of dough before the second rise.
Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (¼ to ½ teaspoon) to the butter mixture for a subtle kick.
Rosemary Garlic Bread: Substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (crushed) for the oregano in the topping, or add 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped rosemary.

Easy Homemade Pull Apart Garlic Bread

This delightful Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a soft, buttery, and garlicky masterpiece perfect for sharing! Made from scratch with a simple yeast dough and coated in an aromatic herb and garlic butter, it’s designed for effortless pulling and dipping. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a comforting weeknight side.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Bread

Prep Time 1 30

Cook Time 30

Ingredients

For the Dough:
1 cup 240 ml warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 tablespoons 30g white granulated sugar
2 teaspoons 6g active dry yeast
2 tablespoons 28g unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 240 ml warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 ½ teaspoons 15g fine sea salt or kosher salt
5 ½ – 6 ½ cups 660g – 780g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Topping:
8 tablespoons 113g unsalted butter, melted
4 teaspoons 5g dried parsley
1 teaspoon 1g dried oregano
4 medium cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons 12g kosher salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add softened butter, warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C), and 2 ½ teaspoons salt to yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Form the Dough: Gradually add 3 cups flour, then remaining flour ½ cup at a time, until dough pulls away from bowl sides (still slightly sticky at bottom). Dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly sticky.
Knead the Dough: Knead on medium-low speed for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (By hand: 10-12 minutes on lightly floured surface).
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, dried parsley, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Stir well and set aside.
Shape the Bread: Lightly grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Cut each portion into approximate 1-inch pieces.
Coat and Layer: Dip each dough piece into butter mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Layer buttery pieces into the greased loaf pans.
Second Rise (Proofing): Cover pans loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat Oven: 15 minutes before rise ends, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Internal temperature should read 200°F (93°C).
Finish and Serve: Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle tops with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Cool slightly in pans, then serve warm or cool completely on a wire rack.