Description
This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread recipe transforms simple bread into a soft, warm, and gooey delight perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of fluffy bread combined with melty cheese and savory herbs create an irresistible centerpiece that’s easy to share and customize. Ideal for festive occasions, this bread provides comforting flavors and a fun, interactive way to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or choice)
Topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and sugar; let it sit until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, shred your choice of mozzarella and cheddar or parmesan cheeses. Chop fresh herbs finely and mix them with the cheeses along with garlic powder or minced fresh garlic to create a flavorful filling.
- Shape the Bread: Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangular shape about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough into small squares or circles. Layer each piece with the cheese mixture, stacking them neatly to prepare the loaf.
- Assemble and Let Rise Again: Place the stacked dough and cheese pieces into a greased bread pan, leaving space for expansion. Allow it to rise a second time, about 30-45 minutes, to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes. Pull apart into cheesy chunks and serve warm for the best gooey experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough and proper rising.
- Do not overfill the cheese layers to prevent sogginess and uneven baking.
- Letting the bread rise twice ensures a light, fluffy texture that’s easy to pull apart.
- Brushing with butter adds a golden color and rich flavor to the crust.
- Cut dough into uniform pieces for neat layering and easier pulling apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Cheesy bread, Pull apart bread, Christmas bread, Holiday appetizer, Festive bread, Melty cheese bread
