Get ready to transform your kitchen into an Italian culinary paradise with the most irresistible bread recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine pulling apart warm, golden-brown dough revealing melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese infused with aromatic Italian herbs - this Italian Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread is not just a recipe, it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a delectable snack, this mouthwatering creation will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and achieves a perfect golden crust.
- Prepare a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet by lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent the bread from sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Take the loaf of bread dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about 1/2 inch thick. This will make it easier to cut and fill with cheese.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles, approximately 2 inches in size. The size doesn’t have to be perfect; just ensure they are relatively uniform for even baking.
- Take each square of dough and place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to create a small pouch, ensuring the cheese is sealed inside. Repeat this process until all the dough squares are filled.
- Arrange the filled dough pouches in the prepared baking dish or skillet, stacking them slightly to create a pull-apart effect. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the dough to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes. This will allow the dough to puff up slightly before baking.
- Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to pull apart without burning your fingers.
- Serve the Italian Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy this delicious, cheesy treat as an appetizer or a side dish!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality bread dough for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure your oven is properly preheated to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't overstuff the dough squares - leave enough room for the cheese to melt without leaking.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it develop a light, airy texture.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herb blends or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey for the most satisfying experience.
- If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a quick alternative.
- Consider pairing with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
