Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a deliciously aromatic, savory bread perfect for any gathering or family dinner. This soft, fluffy bread is infused with the earthy flavors of fresh rosemary and the bold taste of garlic, all woven into a delightful pull-apart presentation. With each piece that’s torn away, you’ll get a burst of garlic butter and rosemary goodness, making this bread the ultimate comfort food. It’s ideal as a side for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals, a snack with marinara sauce, or even as an appetizer for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pull-apart bread is perfect for entertaining, offering a hands-on eating experience that everyone enjoys. The rosemary and garlic combination creates a tantalizing aroma, and the bread’s fluffy texture with golden, buttery crust is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make with straightforward ingredients and can be adapted to suit various tastes. Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil, warm marinara, or alongside your favorite holiday dishes. If you’re a fan of garlicky, herby goodness, this bread will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1.5 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

For the Garlic Rosemary Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs, sea salt flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, mixing until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Rosemary Butter

1. Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Divide Butter Mixture: Reserve a few tablespoons of the mixture for brushing over the top of the bread before baking.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×15 inches in size.
2. Spread the Butter Mixture: Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly spread the garlic rosemary butter over the dough, making sure the entire surface is covered.
3. Cut and Stack: Cut the dough vertically into four long strips. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut into 4 equal sections again, creating 16 small squares.
4. Arrange in Pan: Grease a loaf pan and carefully stack the dough squares on their sides, one after another, until the pan is filled. This stacking will create the “pull-apart” effect after baking.
5. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a clean cloth and allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Brush the top of the dough with the reserved garlic rosemary butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the bread’s flavor and texture. Flour provides the structure, while yeast helps the dough rise, making the bread airy and soft. The butter adds richness and a tender crumb, and fresh rosemary infuses the bread with earthy, pine-like notes that pair wonderfully with garlic. Garlic and rosemary are a classic combination that complements the mild sweetness of the dough, making each pull-apart piece flavorful and savory.

Technique Tips

• Warm Milk for Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot. Temperatures around 110°F are ideal for activating yeast without killing it.
• Kneading Tips: Kneading helps develop gluten, giving the bread structure. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky when ready.
• Uniform Squares for Consistency: Cut the dough squares as evenly as possible to ensure even stacking and baking.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary offers a more aromatic flavor compared to dried rosemary, enhancing the bread’s fragrance and taste.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Pull-Apart Rolls: Instead of a loaf pan, form the dough into small balls and arrange them in a round baking dish for pull-apart rolls.
• Rosemary Garlic Twists: After spreading the butter, cut the dough into strips and twist them for a more rustic presentation.
• Bread Wreath: Stack the dough squares in a circle on a baking sheet to create a festive holiday bread wreath.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the dough into two smaller loaf pans to create mini pull-apart breads for gifting or personal-sized portions.

Additional Tips for Success

• Check Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size; this may vary based on kitchen temperature.
• Don’t Skip the Butter Mixture: Thoroughly coat each dough square with the garlic rosemary butter to infuse maximum flavor into every bite.
• Cover if Browning Too Quickly: If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Serve Warm: This bread is best served warm when the garlic and rosemary flavors are at their peak.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan to the butter mixture or sprinkle it between dough layers for a cheesy version.
• Herb Medley: Use a mix of fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, and chives along with rosemary for a more complex flavor.
• Spicy Pull Apart Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic rosemary butter for a slight kick.
• Lemon Zest Rosemary Bread: Add lemon zest to the butter mixture for a hint of brightness that complements the rosemary and garlic.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore its freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
• Freezing the Dough: After the first rise, shape the dough and freeze it unbaked in the loaf pan. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, let it rise, and bake as directed.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduced Butter: Use less butter in the garlic rosemary mixture or substitute part of it with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Garlic and Olive Oil Infusion: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil infused with minced garlic and rosemary.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Place the pull-apart bread in the center of the table as a savory addition to the meal.
• Appetizer with Marinara Sauce: Serve warm with marinara sauce or a light herb-infused olive oil for dipping.
• Party Platter: Arrange as part of a charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, and cured meats for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Holiday Gift: Bake smaller loaves in mini pans and wrap them in parchment paper with a sprig of rosemary for a lovely holiday gift.

Special Equipment

• Loaf Pan: A 9×5 inch loaf pan works well to create a structured pull-apart loaf.
• Pastry Brush: A brush makes it easy to spread the garlic rosemary butter mixture evenly.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For clean, uniform cuts of the dough squares.
• Mixing Bowls: Several bowls will be needed for the dough, yeast mixture, and butter mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but use half the amount as it is more concentrated. Fresh rosemary is recommended for the best aroma and flavor.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

3. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The internal temperature should be around 190°F.

4. Can I make this bread without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for a fluffy texture. While yeast-free alternatives exist, they’ll produce a denser bread, so yeast is recommended for the best pull-apart texture.

5. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm (not hot) for activation. If the room is cool, let the dough rise in a warm spot or in an oven with the light on.

6. Can I skip the second rise?
The second rise helps with the bread’s structure and fluffiness. Skipping it can result in a denser loaf.

7. Can I substitute another herb for rosemary?
Yes! Try thyme, sage, or even parsley for a different herbal flavor that pairs well with garlic.

8. Can I make this vegan?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.

Conclusion

This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread brings together the best flavors of fresh rosemary, garlic, and buttery, fluffy bread in a show-stopping, pull-apart loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, and the pull-apart presentation makes it ideal for sharing at Thanksgiving or any special gathering. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, this bread pairs beautifully with savory dishes or even stands alone as a satisfying snack. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, cozying up for family dinner, or looking for a unique appetizer, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more!

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