This fun pull-apart bread looks like a blooming onion, but it’s packed with gooey cheese and spices! Each piece is buttery and delicious—perfect for sharing!
Honestly, watching everyone tear off a piece makes me smile. It’s a crowd-pleaser! Serve it at parties, or just enjoy it with your favorite dip for a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round sourdough or boule works best for this recipe. If you can’t find those, any sturdy bread (like Italian or French bread) will do in a pinch!
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to choice for a stretchy, melty texture. If you want to mix it up, use provolone or cheddar. For a sharper taste, a gruyère can be a great addition.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a hurry, you can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste!
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Ruining It?
Cutting the bread properly can be tricky! Here’s how to do it without destroying the loaf:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. It helps prevent squishing the bread.
- Make sure to cut about 3/4 of the way through without cutting through the bottom crust. This keeps it together while baking.
- Space your cuts around 1 inch apart for even cheese distribution.
- Take your time to make precise cuts for a beautiful pull-apart effect!
When you pull apart the bread after baking, it should come apart easily and still hold its shape. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Bloomin’ Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional for serving: ranch or barbecue sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull-apart bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, making a total of around 50 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Ideal for a party appetizer or a fun side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleaning easier later on.
2. Cut the Bread:
Place your round loaf on a cutting board. With a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into a grid pattern, making both vertical and horizontal cuts. Aim to cut about 3/4 of the way through the loaf, leaving the bottom crust intact. The cuts should be about 1 inch apart, allowing for easy pulling apart when ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed together nicely.
4. Add the Butter Mixture:
Gently pull apart the sections of bread slightly and use a spoon or small brush to drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly between the cuts and over the top of the bread. Make sure to get as much of that delicious mixture in there as possible!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Now, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if you’re using it) into the cuts you made in the bread, pushing it deep into the crevices so that it’s evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place the stuffed loaf on your prepared baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to help it warm through. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that time, remove the foil to let the bread crisp up and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle some extra fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve the pull-apart bread warm, along with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce for added flavor. Enjoy sharing this yummy treat!
This pull-apart bread not only looks amazing but tastes incredible too! Perfect for gatherings, dinners, or just enjoying a cozy night in. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or boule are preferred for their sturdiness, you can use any round crusty bread, like Italian or French bread. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold the cheese and toppings without falling apart.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the pull-apart bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and drench it in the garlic butter mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover it with foil to avoid drying out, and bake it right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauce Alternatives?
While ranch and barbecue sauce are excellent choices, you can also try garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or even a cheesy dip for added flavor. Experiment with your favorites!
