Description
This irresistible pull apart garlic bread is perfect for cozy gatherings, featuring soft, fluffy dough infused with buttery garlic, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning. Easy to make and delightfully shareable, it’s an ideal appetizer or side dish that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (divided, essential for activating the yeast)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (this little powerhouse makes your bread rise beautifully)
- 1 tbsp honey (adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors; maple syrup works too)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure for that fluffy texture)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened, enriches the dough for a delightful flavor)
- 1 tsp salt (enhances all the other flavors in your bread)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 5 tbsp butter (melted and infused with garlic magic)
- 2 large cloves garlic (finely grated or minced, gives irresistible flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped, brightens up the flavor)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (a wonderful blend for that herby touch)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine ½ cup of warm water with yeast and honey in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: Add the flour, softened butter, and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients begin to combine.
- Form the dough ball: Gradually pour in the remaining ½ cup of warm water while mixing, until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in additional flour in small amounts until manageable.
- Knead and rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a bowl and cover it with a dish cloth. Let it rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare garlic butter: While the dough rises, melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning, stirring for about 2 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven and prepare dough pieces: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough to release the air, shape it into a tube approximately 1 inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Coat dough in garlic butter: Toss the dough pieces in the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated to absorb the rich flavors.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dough pieces closely in a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the bread is bubbly and cooked through.
Notes
- Use warm water around 105-110°F for best yeast activation.
- If dough feels too sticky while kneading, add flour gradually but do not overdo it to keep bread soft.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- This bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- You can add grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese between the dough pieces before baking for a cheesy twist.
