Easy Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of fresh bread baking? Now imagine that heavenly aroma infused with the savory scent of roasted garlic and fragrant rosemary. This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction is not just a side dish; it’s a warm, buttery, shareable experience that turns any meal into a special occasion. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the oven, eagerly awaiting the first delicious pull.
This incredible Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction is a show-stopping yeast bread that bakes as one loaf but is designed to be pulled apart into soft, individual pieces. Each morsel is generously coated in a rich, savory blend of melted butter, fresh garlic, and aromatic rosemary. Its uniqueness lies in its interactive, fun-to-eat nature, making it the ultimate centerpiece for a dinner party or a cozy family night in. It perfectly aligns with my blog’s mission to deliver approachable baking projects with reliably spectacular results. While the recipe uses a simple homemade dough, you can certainly use a sourdough starter discard for a tangy twist if you have one ready. The final product is so impressive, yet the process is straightforward, especially if you’re already comfortable with making homemade dinner rolls.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction because it never fails to create a moment of pure joy. There’s something incredibly satisfying about presenting a golden, fragrant loaf to my friends and family and watching them dive in, pulling off steamy pieces with their hands. It transforms a simple weeknight soup into a feast and makes holiday gatherings feel even more festive. For me, this recipe is the perfect blend of baking technique and outright delicious fun.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction offers more than just incredible flavor. This savory bread provides tangible health benefits because of its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Fresh rosemary, for instance, is a powerful herb packed with antioxidants. These compounds actively fight oxidative stress in your body, even though you are enjoying a delicious treat.
Garlic is another star ingredient with proven wellness perks. It contains allicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. So, while you savor each garlicky bite, you are also supporting your immune system. Furthermore, olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats are crucial for maintaining good cholesterol levels, although this bread is an indulgent food.
The carbohydrates from the flour deliver a quick source of energy. This makes Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction a fantastic option before light physical activity. Therefore, you can feel good about enjoying this bread as part of a mindful diet. Ultimately, this recipe turns simple components into a dish that actively supports your well-being.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction fits beautifully into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Think of it as a celebratory side dish rather than an everyday staple. Pair a single serving with a large, nutrient-dense salad and a lean protein source like grilled chicken or fish. This approach creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal that satisfies cravings while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
For those with specific dietary goals, this bread is naturally vegetarian. You can easily explore a gluten-free version by using a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. While the recipe is not inherently low-carb or high-protein, you can balance your plate accordingly. If you are monitoring your intake, simply enjoy a smaller portion alongside other wholesome foods.
Baking it at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid excess sodium and preservatives found in store-bought versions. This aligns perfectly with practical, healthy eating habits. For another wonderful homemade bread that complements any meal, consider our classic whole wheat dinner rolls. Embracing homemade recipes like this one is a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle.
PrintRosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Make a flavorful pull apart bread using this delicious rosemary-infused yeasted dough. You can use your favorite cheese in the filling. I love and usually use shredded parmesan.
- Prep Time: 3 hrs
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 4 hrs
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Method: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star*
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed*
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 5 Tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, extra soft (see note)
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (95g) shredded parmesan, mozzarella, or white cheddar cheese (or your favorite shredded cheese)
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted
- coarse or flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Place the yeast and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Or, if you do not own a stand mixer, a regular large mixing bowl. Heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave until warm to touch, about 110°F (43°C). Pour warm milk on top of yeast/sugar. Whisk gently to combine, then loosely cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture will be frothy after 5-10 minutes.
- Add the butter, egg, flour, salt, garlic powder, and rosemary. Beat on low speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 3 minutes. If the dough isn't pulling away from the sides of the bowl, add a little more flour, a Tablespoon at a time. Dough will be soft.
- Keep the dough in the mixer (and switch to the dough hook if using the paddle) and beat for an additional 5 full minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 full minutes. (If you're new to bread-baking, my How to Knead Dough video tutorial can help here.) If the dough becomes too sticky during the kneading process, sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of flour at a time on the dough or on the work surface/in the bowl to make a soft, slightly tacky dough. Do not add more flour than you need because you do not want a dry dough. After kneading, the dough should still feel a little soft. Poke it with your finger—if it slowly bounces back, your dough is ready to rise. You can also do a "windowpane test" to see if your dough has been kneaded long enough: tear off a small (roughly golfball-size) piece of dough and gently stretch it out until it's thin enough for light to pass through it. Hold it up to a window or light. Does light pass through the stretched dough without the dough tearing first? If so, your dough has been kneaded long enough and is ready to rise. If not, keep kneading until it passes the windowpane test.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl (I use nonstick spray to grease) and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in a slightly warm environment to rise until doubled in size, around 60-90 minutes. (If desired, use my warm oven trick for rising. See my answer to Where Should Dough Rise? in my Baking with Yeast Guide.)
- As the dough rises, prepare the filling in the next step and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix the soft butter, rosemary, parsley, garlic, and salt together. If the butter is soft enough, you can just mix it all together with a spoon or fork. You can use an electric mixer if that's easier too. Cover tightly and set aside until ready to use. (Don't refrigerate unless making well in advance. It's easiest to spread on the dough when at room temperature. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before spreading on dough pieces.)
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Place dough on a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces, each about 1/4 cup of dough and a little larger than a golf ball. Using lightly floured hands, flatten each into a circle that's about 4 inches in diameter. The circle doesn't have to be perfectly round. I do not use a rolling pan to flatten, but you certainly can if you want. Spread 1-2 teaspoons of filling mixture onto each. Sprinkle each with 1 Tablespoon of cheese. Fold circles in half and line in prepared baking pan, round side up. See photos above for a visual.
- Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and allow to rise once again in a slightly warm environment until puffy, about 45 minutes.
- Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position then preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake until golden brown, about 50 minutes. If you find the top of the loaf is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil. (Don't be alarmed if there's melted butter around the sides of the bread as it bakes, it will seep into the bread before it finishes.) Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. If desired, brush with melted butter for topping and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove from the pan and serve warm.
- Cover and store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Since the bread is extra crispy on the exterior, it will become a little hard after day 1. Reheat in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until interior is soft again or warm in the microwave.
Notes
For best results, use extra soft butter for the filling to ensure easy spreading. The bread is best served warm and fresh, but can be reheated to restore softness. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 45
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, gather all your ingredients to make the process seamless. Meanwhile, gently warm your milk and melt your butter; consequently, you will have these crucial components ready for the yeast. Next, whisk the yeast into the warm milk mixture and let it sit for just five minutes until it becomes frothy. After that, stir in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Then, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. For a fantastic time-saving tip, use your stand mixer with a dough hook to do the kneading for you. Subsequently, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. While the dough rises, prepare your garlic herb butter by simply mixing melted butter with fresh rosemary and minced garlic. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle and cut it into small squares. Finally, dip each square into the garlic butter, layer them in your loaf pan, and let the whole thing rise again before baking to golden perfection.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have absolutely rushed the first rise on this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction, which resulted in a dense final product that lacked its signature fluffy texture. I learned the hard way that patience is the most important ingredient for this recipe. Another common challenge is using yeast that is too old; therefore, I now always test my yeast in liquid to ensure it’s active and bubbly before I proceed. If you are new to baking with yeast, my guide on working with yeast covers all the basics. Also, do not skip the step of brushing any remaining garlic butter over the top of the bread before baking, as I once did, because it creates that irresistible, crispy, flavorful crust everyone loves. For more troubleshooting help, my post on common baking mistakes can save you from these simple errors.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
The heartwarming appeal of pull-apart bread is deeply rooted in communal dining traditions across the globe. In Italy, a similar concept exists with focaccia, where bakers press dimples into the dough to hold pools of olive oil and herbs. Meanwhile, in Hungary, pogácsa is a savory, flaky biscuit often flavored with cheese and garlic, designed to be shared straight from the oven. The genius of the Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction is how it draws inspiration from these traditions to create something uniquely inviting for the home cook.
This recipe feels personal because it transforms a simple loaf into an interactive centerpiece. The act of pulling apart warm, buttery pieces is inherently social, evoking memories of family gatherings and holiday tables where food is more than sustenance—it’s a reason to connect. Although the method is straightforward, the result feels special, making it a beloved project for bakers who want to create that magical, shareable moment. The aromatic blend of rosemary and garlic in this particular version pays homage to rustic, Mediterranean flavors that have comforted families for generations. You will find that the Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction carries this beautiful tradition forward into your own kitchen.
How it fits in today’s cooking
Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction remains a superstar in modern kitchens because it perfectly suits our desire for both comfort and connection. It is a guaranteed showstopper at holiday feasts, yet it is simple enough for a cozy Sunday supper. Contemporary home cooks are also reimagining it with various stuffings, from spicy jalapeño and cheddar to everything bagel seasoning, proving its incredible versatility.
This bread fits seamlessly into today’s cooking routines, especially when paired with other homemade favorites. For instance, it is the ultimate sidekick to a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup on a chilly evening. Furthermore, its make-ahead potential aligns with busy schedules, as you can prepare the dough the night before. When planning a full menu, it serves as the perfect, impressive bread course to accompany a elegant main like herb crusted pork tenderloin, bridging the gap between everyday meals and festive entertaining with delicious ease.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
This Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction is a true feast for the senses. Each soft, fluffy square is incredibly tender and airy, pulling apart with a satisfyingly gentle resistance. The interior is wonderfully chewy and moist, while the top bakes to a beautiful golden-brown crisp. A rich, melted butter sauce soaks into every crevice, creating an irresistibly rich and savory experience. Fresh rosemary provides a fragrant, piney aroma that fills your kitchen, while the roasted garlic offers a deep, mellow sweetness without any harsh bite. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of earthy herbs and savory, buttery garlic. The overall flavor is deeply comforting and sophisticated, even though it is surprisingly simple to make. You will love the intoxicating smell of this Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction as it bakes, promising a homemade treat that is both impressive and utterly delicious.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily boost the flavor of this already incredible bread with a few simple tweaks. For a richer, more complex taste, try using a high-quality European-style butter or even a garlic-infused olive oil in the herb butter mixture. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a subtle, warming heat that contrasts beautifully with the earthy rosemary. A sprinkle of grated parmesan or asiago cheese over the top before baking adds a salty, savory crunch that is absolutely divine. If you are serving it with a meal, a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping takes it to another level of deliciousness. For a different herb profile, you could substitute the rosemary with fresh thyme or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This bread also pairs wonderfully with a cozy soup, such as a creamy tomato basil, making it the ultimate comfort food combination. Alternatively, serve it alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness for a perfectly balanced plate.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always use fresh rosemary and garlic for the most potent and aromatic flavor in your Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction. Ensure your milk is warm to the touch, around 110°F, because this activates the yeast properly for a perfect rise. Use room temperature eggs and butter so they incorporate evenly into the dough without cooling the mixture down. Generously butter your bundt pan to guarantee your masterpiece releases cleanly and easily after baking.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid using boiling hot milk, even though you might be in a hurry, because it will kill the yeast and prevent your bread from rising. Do not skip the step of letting the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, although this takes time, as rushing this process results in a dense loaf. Many bakers also make the error of not testing their yeast for freshness first, so always proof it to ensure it is active. For more on this crucial step, see our guide on how to proof yeast. Furthermore, be careful not to overbake the bread, which leads to dry results; instead, pull it from the oven when the top is a deep golden brown. If you are new to working with yeast doughs, our yeast bread basics article provides excellent foundational knowledge.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
First, serve your Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread | Sally’s Baking Addiction straight from the oven while it’s still wonderfully warm and fragrant. Consequently, the irresistible aroma will instantly gather everyone around the table. For a beautiful presentation, place the entire loaf on a rustic wooden board or in a simple basket lined with a checkered napkin. Moreover, you can garnish the platter with a few fresh rosemary sprigs and perhaps a small bowl of high-quality olive oil for dipping. This stunning centerpiece is perfect for holiday feasts, celebratory brunches, or even a casual family dinner where sharing is encouraged.
What goes well with it
For a truly comforting meal, pair this savory bread with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup. The rich, acidic notes of the soup cut through the buttery richness of the bread, creating a perfect bite every single time. Alternatively, a fresh and zesty Caesar salad makes another fantastic companion. The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast that highlights the garlic and herb flavors in the Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread. Finally, don’t forget a beverage pairing. A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the garlicky notes beautifully, while a non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade works wonderfully for all ages.
You make pull apart bread from scratch by preparing a simple yeast dough, rolling it into small balls, and layering those balls in a pan with a flavorful filling between each piece. For the Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread from Sally’s Baking Addiction, the dough balls are coated in a melted butter, fresh rosemary, and garlic mixture before baking into a soft, flavorful loaf.
Your pull apart bread is likely dense because the yeast was not active enough, the dough did not have enough time to rise properly, or it was over-kneaded. Ensuring your milk and butter are not too hot when you add the yeast is a key step to achieving the light, fluffy texture perfect for Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread.
Yes, you can prepare pull apart bread ahead of time by assembling the loaf, covering it tightly, and refrigerating it overnight for a slow second rise. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This method works wonderfully for a recipe like Sally’s Baking Addiction Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread.
Garlic pull apart bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, stews, or a fresh salad. It also stands alone as a fantastic appetizer. The savory, herby flavors of this bread, especially a version like Sally’s Baking Addiction recipe, complement almost any main course.
