If you love warm, buttery bread that you can tear apart piece by piece, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe. It transforms simple Rhodes bread dough into a mouthwatering centerpiece bursting with fresh herbs and garlic, making every bite a fragrant, flavorful delight. Whether you’re sharing it at a family dinner or enjoying a cozy snack, this pull-apart bread feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating that irresistible aroma, tenderness, and rich flavor in the Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe. Fresh herbs and garlic bring brightness and depth, while creamy butter ties everything together perfectly.
- 1 loaf Rhodes bread dough: The star base for this recipe, offering a soft, fluffy texture ready to be enhanced.
- ½ cup butter (softened, preferably salted): Adds rich moisture and carries the herb and garlic flavors wonderfully throughout the bread.
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced): Gives that unmistakable aromatic punch that defines this bread’s savory charm.
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (chopped): A bright mix of rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage that injects color and an earthy, fresh fragrance.
How to Make Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rise the Dough
Start by spraying your loaf pan with non-stick baking spray—this makes removing your bread a breeze later on. Place the frozen Rhodes bread dough in the pan, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap sprayed on the side touching the dough to prevent sticking. Now, let it rise in a warm spot for about 3 hours. This slow rising lets the dough fill about a third of the pan, setting the stage for that light, airy crumb we all love.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
While the dough is rising, mix together your softened butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped herbs. This luscious butter blend is absolutely packed with flavor and will elevate the simple dough into something spectacular. Trust me, this step is where the magic truly begins.
Step 3: Slice, Stuff, and Second Rise
Once your bread has risen well, grab kitchen scissors and carefully cut slits into the loaf about an inch apart, each sliced about three-fourths deep. Immediately spoon about a teaspoon of the garlic herb butter into each slit—this helps the flavor penetrate every nook and cranny of the bread. After filling all the slits, spread the remaining butter generously over the top and let the loaf rise again for 1.5 hours. This second rise ensures a soft, pull-apart texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake your loaf for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s beautifully golden on top and the scent of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen. After baking, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then brush with extra melted butter and sprinkle with salt and fresh herbs if you like. This finishing touch adds shine, flavor, and an irresistible aroma to your Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make your Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread even more special. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and enhances the flavors. For an extra indulgent vibe, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving never disappoints.
Side Dishes
This bread shines as a perfect companion to hearty soups, stews, or your favorite pasta dishes. Think creamy tomato bisque, chunky vegetable stew, or a garlic butter shrimp entree—basically anything that calls for dipping or soaking up sauce, because this pull-apart bread eagerly soaks up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve the Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread in a rustic bread bowl or wrapped in a warm, colorful napkin on a wooden cheese board alongside an assortment of cheese, olives, and charcuterie. For family gatherings, placing the loaf in the center of the table encourages everyone to reach in and enjoy the shared experience of tearing apart warm, buttery goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread keeps well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This way, it stays soft and ready to be enjoyed fresh the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftovers or even the whole loaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it inside a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before going through the rising and baking steps. This flexibility makes this recipe perfect for planning ahead.
Reheating
To bring your Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread back to life, heat in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. You can brush with a little extra melted butter before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime you want.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of Rhodes bread dough?
Absolutely! While Rhodes dough simplifies the process, a good homemade bread dough with similar ingredients will work beautifully. Just make sure it’s well risen and soft for the best texture.
What fresh herbs work best for this recipe?
The classic mix is rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage, but feel free to experiment. Oregano, basil, or chives can also add interesting flavors depending on your preference.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil to keep the same richness and moisture without dairy.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a thermometer – the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger pan and adjust your rising and baking times accordingly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake.
Final Thoughts
This Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe is a true game-changer in the kitchen—simple enough for busy days yet impressive enough to delight guests. It’s a savory creation that feels homemade but with amazing convenience. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again to fill your home with comforting aromas and your table with smiles.
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Pull-Apart Garlic Herb Bread with Rhodes Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes – 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Pull Apart Bread recipe uses frozen Rhodes bread dough to create a soft, flavorful, and aromatic treat enhanced with a garlic and fresh herb butter. Perfect for sharing, it’s easy to prepare with a few simple ingredients and bakes to golden perfection, making it ideal for any gathering or cozy meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 loaf Rhodes bread dough (frozen)
For the Herb Garlic Butter
- ½ cup butter, softened (preferably salted)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (equal parts rosemary, thyme, parsley, sage)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Dough: Spray a loaf pan generously with non-stick baking spray. Place the frozen Rhodes bread dough into the pan. Cover it with plastic wrap, and spray the side touching the bread with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 3 hours, or until it expands to fill about one-third of the pan. Adjust time depending on room temperature.
- Make the Herb Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs until well combined, creating a savory butter spread.
- Cut and Fill the Dough: Once the bread has risen to fill the bottom third of the pan, use a clean kitchen scissors to cut slits approximately 3/4 of the way down into the loaf, spacing each slit about an inch apart. Immediately insert about 1 teaspoon of the herb garlic butter into each slit. After filling all slits, spread the remaining butter mixture evenly on top of the loaf. Cover the dough again and allow to rise for an additional 1.5 hours.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the plastic wrap carefully and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Finish: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes after baking. Then brush the top with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter and optionally sprinkle with a pinch of salt and some fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is allowed to rise fully both times to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- If your kitchen is cold, the first rise may take longer than 3 hours; adjust accordingly.
- Use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors for clean slits without compressing the bread.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture.
- This bread pairs well with soups, stews, or as an appetizer on its own.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
