Name: Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: PT-489615H57M45S
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-489615H57M45S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 packet instant yeast (1/4-ounce or 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup butter, room temperature; 1 egg; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (not grated); 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you are craving something incredibly comforting and irresistibly cheesy, you must try this Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. This dish combines soft, fluffy homemade bread rolls generously stuffed with gooey mozzarella and coated in a fragrant garlic herb butter that will have everyone reaching for more. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack to add a little joy and warmth to any meal, especially when you want something that tastes like it took hours but is actually quite manageable to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a single round white dough ball in the middle, covered with small bits of herbs and spices. The dough ball is placed in a layer of golden yellow oil mixed with black, green, and brown herbs and spices spread evenly around the bowl's base. The bowl edges show some scattered herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in this Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. From the bread’s light, fluffy crumb to the rich, buttery coating and melty cheese center, every element counts.

All-purpose flour (3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups): The foundation of the dough that gives the bread structure while staying tender.
Sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Instant yeast (1 packet): Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating light, airy rolls.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the gluten structure.
Milk (3/4 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Water (1/4 cup): Hydrates the yeast and dough for proper consistency.
Butter, room temperature (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
Egg (1): Gives the dough softness and helps with browning.
Mozzarella cheese (8 ounces, not grated): The star of the stuffing that melts into delightfully gooey pockets.
Butter, melted (1/2 cup) for coating: Creates a deliciously rich, golden crust when mixed with seasonings.
Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, grated): Adds a savory, nutty kick to the garlic butter coating.
Garlic powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Provides that classic, mouthwatering garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the oven.
Italian herb seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings an aromatic blend of herbs like oregano and basil to complete the flavor profile.

How to Make Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing together 2 cups of flour with sugar, instant yeast, and salt right in your stand mixer bowl. Meanwhile, warm the milk, water, and butter just until they feel warm to the touch—this activates the yeast without killing it. Add this liquid mixture along with the egg to the dry ingredients, then mix on medium speed for a couple of minutes. Gradually add flour, beating at high speed until the dough comes together but remains soft and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until it returns to shape when you gently press it with your fingers. This step is crucial because it develops the dough’s structure, giving you rolls that are fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold that cheesy center.

Step 3: First Rest and Divide

Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest, which helps gluten relax and makes it easier to shape. Once rested, cut the dough into 32 equal pieces and cube your mozzarella cheese into 32 matching pieces. These will be the gooey surprises inside each roll!

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Wrap each piece of dough around a cube of mozzarella, pinching the seams to seal in the cheese. This step calls for patience, but it’s worth it for a molten cheese center in every bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter Coating

Mix the melted butter with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herb seasoning in a small bowl. Dip each dough-wrapped cheese ball into this flavorful coating before placing them snugly into a greased bundt pan. Don’t forget to pour any remaining butter mixture over the top before covering and allowing the dough balls to rise until doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Once the dough has puffed up beautifully, bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and irresistible. Let the bread cool briefly before flipping it onto your serving plate, and prepare for happy faces all around!

How to Serve Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

A round bundt pan filled with a circle of baked bread rolls, each roll golden brown on top with specks of herbs and spices visible, the rolls are touching each other showing soft and fluffy texture beneath the browned tops. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a red-striped cloth partly visible beneath the pan handle. The light shines warmly from the side, highlighting the texture of the wood and the soft crust of the rolls photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the bread to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich garlic and cheese. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan right out of the oven also never hurts and adds a bit of savory crunch.

Side Dishes

This Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread pairs wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, creamy Alfredo pasta, or a fresh garden salad. Its rich, cheesy pull-apart nature makes it a great appetizer at family dinners or a flavorful snack alongside a bowl of tomato soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this bread on a rustic wooden board to encourage sharing, or arrange the rolls in smaller portions on individual plates for a fun, finger-food experience at parties. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet-tangy contrast that dazzles the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the bread soft and the cheese gooey.

Freezing

This Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the baked bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes to revive the crisp exterior and melty, warm cheese filling. You can cover loosely with foil if the crust is browning too quickly.

FAQs

Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubed mozzarella?

Using shredded cheese may cause the cheese to ooze out more during baking, so cubing mozzarella helps ensure each roll stays perfectly stuffed without leaking.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You can use any round or square baking dish, but be sure the rolls fit snugly so they rise into that lovely pull-apart shape.

Can I substitute fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Fresh garlic could burn during baking, so garlic powder is recommended for an even, mellow garlic flavor in the coating.

Is it okay to use low-moisture mozzarella cheese?

Yes, low-moisture mozzarella works well as it melts nicely without making the dough overly wet.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The initial dough rest is brief to relax gluten, but the shaped rolls should rise until doubled, which typically takes about 45 minutes in a warm spot.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese Stuffed Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is hands down one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy goodness, buttery garlic flavor, and fluffy homemade bread that brings people together around the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite worth every minute of effort!