Cheesy Pull Apart Bread

This cheesy pull apart Christmas bread is my favorite way to make holiday gatherings cozy and delicious. It’s perfect for sharing with family around the table or bringing to a party where everyone can grab a warm, gooey piece. The combination of herbs, garlic, and melty cheese baked into soft bread feels like a festive hug in every pull.

I first made this bread one chilly December evening when I wanted something easy but special to share with friends. It quickly became a tradition every holiday season because it tastes like a warm celebration in every bite.

Ingredients

• Flour: is the base for our soft, elastic dough choose all-purpose flour for the perfect texture and rise
• Active dry yeast: wakes up with warm milk to give the bread its light, fluffy crumb
• Warm milk: keeps the dough tender and helps activate the yeast
• Unsalted butter: melted into the dough adds richness also for brushing to soften the crust
• Sugar: feeds the yeast for a good rise and just a hint of sweetness
• Salt: balances flavor and strengthens gluten development
• Cheese blend: of mozzarella cheddar and gouda melts beautifully and offers a mix of creamy stretch and sharp flavor try to use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
• Garlic: minced fresh garlic infuses the bread with a savory aroma that complements the cheese perfectly
• Rosemary and thyme: fresh if possible add piney and earthy herbal notes but dried versions work fine in a pinch
• Melted butter or olive oil: for brushing layers creates moist pockets and a golden crust

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Bloom the yeast by combining the active dry yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy this step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour sugar and salt then gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a mixer with a dough hook to knead until smooth soft and elastic the dough should spring back when poked. Cover the dough loosely and place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size about one hour. This first rise develops flavor and creates a light crumb.

Shape and Layer the Bread:

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. On a lightly floured surface roll the dough into a 12 by 15 inch rectangle. Brush the surface generously with melted butter or olive oil this adds moisture and flavor between layers. Sprinkle shredded cheese minced garlic and rosemary and thyme evenly across the dough. Cut the dough into squares or strips depending on your pan shape. Stack or layer these pieces into a loaf or bundt pan arranging the layers so the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed to create the pull apart effect.

Second Rise and Bake:

Cover the layered dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffy this second rise finishes proofing and ensures a tender crumb. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the bread uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese inside is molten. If the top starts to brown too quickly tent it lightly with foil to protect it from burning.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the bread to cool slightly this helps the cheese set just enough so the bread pulls apart easily without falling apart while staying melty and delicious. Serve warm by pulling apart the cheesy sections with your fingers perfect for sharing in a festive gathering.

My favorite part is when the melted cheese strings as you pull the bread apart it feels so festive and comforting. I remember making this with my family one Christmas and everyone was happily tugging and sharing pieces around the table laughter and cheese-filled smiles everywhere.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days to keep it soft. For longer storage wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for up to one month. Reheat by warming in the oven wrapped in foil to bring back softness and melted cheese magic.

Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have a cheese blend use your favorite melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or fontina. You can swap the herbs with oregano or basil for a different flavor profile. Use plant based butter or oil for a dairy free version it still tastes amazing.

Serving Ideas

Serve this bread alongside soups stews or salads for a hearty meal. It also doubles as a festive appetizer for parties serve with a side of marinara or herbed olive oil for dipping. This bread pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine or sparkling cider during holiday gatherings.

This cheesy pull apart Christmas bread brings warmth and joy to every holiday gathering it’s a delicious tradition worth sharing.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cheese blend works best for this bread?

A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda creates a balanced flavor and melts beautifully for gooey layers.

→ How do the herbs contribute to the flavor?

Rosemary and thyme add aromatic, earthy notes that complement the melted cheese and garlic, enhancing the bread’s savory depth.

→ Can I use olive oil instead of butter for brushing?

Yes, olive oil works well to brush the dough layers and top, adding a slight fruitiness and helping the crust brown nicely.

→ Why is a second rise important for this bread?

The second rise allows the dough layers to puff gently, resulting in a lighter texture and better separation for pulling apart.

→ How should the bread be cooled before serving?

Let the bread cool briefly so the cheese sets slightly, making it easier to pull apart while staying wonderfully gooey.