Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread (Loaf Pan)
Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread is a warm, soft, and incredibly flavorful homemade bread that’s perfect for sharing. Each fluffy layer is filled with melted cheese, buttery herbs, and garlic, creating a delicious loaf where every piece easily pulls apart. Baked in a loaf pan, this bread looks beautiful and is great for family dinners, parties, or serving alongside soups and pasta. The combination of soft bread, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs makes it comforting and irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / warm, not hot)
¼ cup melted butter
1 large egg
For the Cheese & Herb Filling
1½–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 teaspoon dried dill or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes
For the Topping
1 tablespoon melted butter
Extra herbs for garnish
Instructions
Start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. If you are using active dry yeast, allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until slightly foamy. Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 6–8 minutes by hand or with a mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 60–90 minutes or until it doubles in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, parsley, dill or Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional paprika. Set the shredded cheese aside.
Once the dough has risen, roll it into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Brush the herb butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cut the dough into strips, stack them on top of each other, and then cut the stacks into smaller sections.
Grease a loaf pan and arrange the dough stacks upright inside the pan, similar to files in a drawer. Cover and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with extra herbs, cool slightly, and pull apart to enjoy the cheesy layers.