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Crispy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe Easy Homemade from Scratch

crispy pull-apart garlic bread - featured image

This crispy pull-apart garlic bread features a golden, crunchy crust with a buttery, garlicky, soft inside. It’s simple to make from scratch and perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for garlic butter filling)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (for garlic butter filling)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour and salt. Pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
  4. First Rise: Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Garlic Butter: While the dough rises, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Shape the Bread: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a roughly 12×16 inch (30×40 cm) rectangle.
  7. Slice and Layer: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the dough into 3-inch (7.5 cm) squares. Stack these squares in the greased baking pan, layering one on top of another, butter side facing up.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
  10. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the bread rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Use softened butter for garlic spread, not melted. Cover dough during rising to prevent skin formation. Water temperature for yeast activation should be around 110°F (43°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, pull-apart bread, crispy garlic bread, homemade garlic bread, easy garlic bread recipe, garlic butter bread