Cheesy pull apart bread is a fun and tasty appetizer or side dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. As the name suggests, it is a soft, fluffy bread that can be pulled apart into bite-sized pieces and is loaded with ooey, gooey melted cheese. There are many different ways to make cheesy pull apart bread, but some common ingredients include bread dough, shredded cheese, and herbs and seasonings.
The Bread
The base of cheesy pull apart bread starts with a basic bread dough. Many recipes call for a soft white bread dough or brioche dough. Using a dough that is naturally soft and slightly sweet helps to keep the pull apart bread light and fluffy. Some example doughs that work well include:
- White bread dough
- Brioche dough
- Hawaiian sweet bread dough
- Challah dough
The dough can be store-bought from the refrigerator section or bakery, homemade from scratch, or made using bread machine mixes. Pre-made canned biscuit dough or rolls can also be used in place of traditional bread dough.
The Cheese
The cheese is what gives the pull apart its signature gooey, melted flavor. Using a cheese that melts well is key. Popular options include:
- Cheddar
- Monterey jack
- Mozzarella
- Colby
- Gruyere
Shredded cheeses work best so that they can be distributed evenly throughout the dough. Combining two or more cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, helps create an ultra-cheesy pull apart. The amount of cheese added depends on just how cheesy you want it, but 1-2 cups total is common.
Herbs and Seasonings
Herbs, garlic, and other seasonings add wonderful flavor to cheesy pull apart bread. Some tasty options include:
- Minced garlic
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Dried parsley
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Onion powder
Use about 1-2 teaspoons total of your desired herbs. Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic can also be added. The seasonings will bake right into the dough, infusing it with flavor.
Assembling the Pull Apart
To assemble cheesy pull apart bread, start by dividing the dough into pieces. The number and size will depend on how big you want the finished pull apart to be. Common options include:
- 16 golf ball sized dough balls
- 24 ping pong sized dough balls
- 36 quarter sized dough balls
Next, flatten out each dough ball into a round disc shape. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and seasonings over the dough. Stack the dough rounds on top of each other and press together slightly. Then, place stacked dough into a greased baking dish or pan. Cover and let rise until puffy.
Once risen, bake at 350°F until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. The cheese will be melted and the bread will be soft and fluffy. Let cool slightly before tearing apart and serving.
Variations
There are many ways to customize cheesy pull apart bread:
- Jalapeño Popper: Add chopped jalapeños and use a combo of cheddar and cream cheese.
- Pizza: Use mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Garlic Cheese: Mix in minced roasted garlic.
- Ranch: Add dried ranch seasoning and use cheddar cheese.
- Everything Bagel: Coat the assembled bread in everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Tips for Making Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Follow these tips for perfect, mouthwatering cheesy pull apart bread every time:
- Use room temperature dough that hasn’t been refrigerated. Cold dough won’t rise as much.
- Make sure the dough balls are evenly sized for even cooking.
- Completely cover the dough during the rise to prevent drying out.
- Use a pan with taller sides to contain the melted cheese.
- Let the bread cool for 5 minutes before pulling apart to set the cheese.
- Pull the bread into sections instead of tearing for cleaner separation.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature up to 2 days.
Common Questions
What kind of cheese is best for pull apart bread?
The best cheeses for pull apart bread are those that melt smoothly. Top choices are cheddar, mozzarella, monterey jack, colby, and gouda. Use shredded cheese for even distribution.
What kind of bread can you use to make pull apart bread?
Soft white bread dough, brioche, challah, sweet Hawaiian bread, and canned biscuit dough all work well. Avoid lean doughs like whole wheat that won’t rise as much and give a denser texture.
How do you make pull apart bread without dough?
Without traditional dough, you can use frozen bread rolls, biscuits, or slices of bread stacked together. Cut or tear the bread into cubes, coat with butter/oil, then bake with shredded cheese at 350°F until the cheese melts.
What is monkey bread vs pull apart bread?
Monkey bread and pull apart bread are very similar – both are soft, fluffy breads layered with cheese and spices. The main difference is that monkey bread is made from smaller balls of rolled biscuit dough rather than a loaf bread dough.
Can you make pull apart bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread completely then refrigerate overnight up to 24 hours before baking. Let the refrigerated bread sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
The Science Behind Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Cheesy pull apart bread relies on some simple chemistry and baking science to achieve its signature look and taste. Here are a few of the science facts that make it work:
- Activated yeast leavens the dough, producing air bubbles that make the bread rise.
- Melting shredded cheese helps “glue” the dough layers together.
- Baking coagulates the proteins in cheese, allowing it to stretch and pull apart.
- Starches in the dough retrograde as it cools, solidifying the texture.
- Browning via the Maillard reaction produces complex, toasted flavors.
- Steam created during baking gives the bread its soft, fluffy interior.
Understanding the science behind the ingredients and their reactions helps bakers perfect the satisfying, mouthwatering cheesy pull apart everyone loves!
Nutrition Information
The nutrition of cheesy pull apart bread can vary widely depending on the ingredients used. Some approximate averages per serving (1/12 of recipe) are:
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 25g | 9g | 8g |
Tips for lightening up cheesy pull apart bread:
- Use reduced-fat cheese
- Choose whole wheat dough
- Increase herbs and spices, decrease cheese
- Portion into slider buns instead of a whole loaf
Cost Breakdown
Here is an approximate cost breakdown for a 1 1/2 pound cheesy pull apart bread recipe baking 12 servings:
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bread dough | $3.00 |
| 2 cups shredded cheese | $3.00 |
| Herbs and seasonings | $0.30 |
| Total cost | $6.30 |
| Cost per serving | $0.53 |
Tips for reducing cost:
- Use block cheese and shred yourself
- Buy herbs in bulk bins, not jars
- Make your own dough from scratch
- Use grocery store bakery dough
- Watch for dough and cheese sales
Cheesy Pull Apart Bread Around the World
Around the world, there are many different takes on pull apart and tear and share breads loaded with cheese. Here are some examples:
- Colombian Cheese Bread (Pan de Queso) – Soft, fluffy bread made with corn flour and mozzarella cheese.
- Brazilian Pão de Queijo – Baked cheese buns made with tapioca flour, eggs, milk, and cheese.
- Turkish Pogaça – Flaky spiral pastry with kasseri cheese baked inside.
- Chinese Coca Bread – Sweet bread filled with ham and melted cheese.
- Egyptian Feteer Meshaltet – Layered flatbread with gouda, mozzarella, feta and herbs.
No matter what cuisine it comes from, pull apart bread with melted cheese is delicious comfort food loved all over the globe!
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible soft texture and mouthwatering cheese flavor, it’s no wonder cheesy pull apart bread is such a hit at parties and potlucks. This fun and friendly appetizer brings people together to tear off buttery, cheesy pieces of bread. Hiding flavorful fillings like garlic, herbs, and jalapeños inside adds an extra element of delicious surprise. In just a few simple steps, you can have this crowdpleasing bake ready for your next gathering. Experiment with different doughs and cheese types to make each one uniquely your own. Now that you know what goes into making it, get ready to wow guests with your own homemade cheesy pull apart bread masterpiece.