Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Garlic Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread. The fluffy dough is infused with a delicious garlic butter mixture and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, making each bite a delightful combination of cheesy and garlicky goodness. The addition of poppy seeds on top adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
Perfect for sharing, this pull-apart bread is ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or as a comforting snack. Its soft, pull-apart texture makes it easy to enjoy, and the flavors are sure to impress. Serve it warm to fully appreciate the melty cheese and aromatic garlic butter. This bread is so good, you’ll find yourself making it twice a week!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 70 ml warm water
- 70 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 320 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Garlic Butter:
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 60 g butter
- Parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Topping:
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon milk
- Poppy seeds
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 70 ml warm water, 70 ml warm milk, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add 1 egg and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add 320 g flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt 60 g butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and 1 teaspoon honey. Stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the garlic butter.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into even pieces.
- Arrange the pieces in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of milk.
- Brush the egg wash over the top of the arranged dough pieces.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Garlic Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread!
Tips:
- Ensure the water and milk are warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and parsley to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Rising Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: 8 servings
Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread
- Proper Yeast Activation: Ensure the water and milk are warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Kneading: Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewy texture.
- Garlic Butter: Adjust the amount of garlic and parsley to suit your taste preferences.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for varied flavors.
- Herb Mix: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Serve this bread with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or as a side dish to pasta, soups, or salads.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: The unbaked dough can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Possible Questions About This Recipe
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- What if my dough doesn’t rise?
- Ensure the yeast is not expired and the water temperature is correct. Dough may take longer to rise in cooler environments.
- Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
- Yes, the garlic butter can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the baking dish?
- Grease the baking dish well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Can I add meat to the bread?
- Yes, cooked bacon bits or pepperoni can be added to the filling for a heartier version.
- What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
- You can use sesame seeds, flaxseeds, or omit them entirely.
- Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
- The egg wash adds color and helps the poppy seeds stick, but you can skip it if desired.
- How do I ensure the cheese is evenly distributed?
- Spread the cheese evenly over the garlic butter mixture and press it down slightly before rolling the dough.
- Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?
- Yes, finely chopped fresh garlic can be used for a more intense flavor.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Garlic Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy making and sharing this flavorful recipe with your friends and family!