Soft Garlic Parmesan Bread

Featured in: Cozy Bread Recipes

This pull-apart bread combines a soft, pillowy texture with the rich flavors of garlic butter and grated parmesan. The dough is made from all-purpose flour, yeast, and warm milk, kneaded until elastic and allowed to rise twice to create a fluffy result. Garlic parmesan butter is generously applied between each ball of dough, which are arranged in a baking dish and baked until golden. A wonderful addition to hearty meals or as a savory snack.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:34:00 GMT
Soft Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread glistens with garlic butter and melted cheese.  Save to Pinterest
Soft Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread glistens with garlic butter and melted cheese. | flourhollow.com

A pillowy, golden pull-apart bread infused with garlic butter and parmesan, perfect for sharing at the table.

The first time I made this bread, my whole family gathered around eager to tear into the warm, cheesy pull apart pieces, making it an instant favorite.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/4 cups (410 g) all purpose flour 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp fine sea salt 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, lukewarm 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg
  • Garlic Parmesan Butter: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted 4 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup (90 g) finely grated parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy.
Step 2:
Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
Step 3:
Gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5:
Meanwhile, prepare the garlic parmesan butter: Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and half the parmesan in a small bowl.
Step 6:
Punch down the risen dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball.
Step 7:
Dip each dough ball in the garlic parmesan butter, then arrange in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 8:
Pour any remaining garlic butter over the top and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Step 9:
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 10:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 11:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 12:
Cool slightly before serving.
Golden, fluffy bread balls arranged in a dish, perfect for dipping and sharing.  Save to Pinterest
Golden, fluffy bread balls arranged in a dish, perfect for dipping and sharing. | flourhollow.com

Sharing this bread at family gatherings always brings smiles and creates warm memories around the table.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Measuring cups and spoons Pastry brush Stand mixer (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, egg, and dairy (cheese, butter). Always check ingredient labels for possible cross contamination if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 220 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 6 g

Warm, aromatic pull-apart bread topped with rich garlic and fresh parsley, irresistible treat. Save to Pinterest
Warm, aromatic pull-apart bread topped with rich garlic and fresh parsley, irresistible treat. | flourhollow.com

This recipe is sure to become a beloved classic at your table. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, cheesy deliciousness in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve a soft texture in this bread?

Kneading the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, along with proper rising times, helps create the bread’s soft and pillowy texture.

Can I substitute fresh herbs in the garlic butter?

Yes, chives or basil can replace parsley to add a different herb flavor without altering the overall richness.

What is the best way to apply the garlic parmesan butter?

Each dough ball is dipped into the garlic parmesan butter before arranging in the pan, and additional butter is poured on top for maximum flavor.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a fluffy and airy texture, providing the ideal pull-apart softness.

How can I add extra richness to this bread?

Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella between dough balls before baking creates an extra gooey and rich bite.

Soft Garlic Parmesan Bread

Pillowy golden bread with garlic butter and parmesan, ideal for sharing alongside your favorite dishes.

Prep Duration
25 mins
Cook Duration
30 mins
Overall Time
55 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Serves 12 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Dough

01 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 1 cup lukewarm whole milk
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 1 large egg

Garlic Parmesan Butter

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Steps

Step 01

Activate Yeast: Combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl; let stand for 5 to 7 minutes until frothy.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until incorporated.

Step 03

Combine Dough: Gradually add flour while stirring with a wooden spoon or using a dough hook; knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

First Rise: Place dough into a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 05

Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Step 06

Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal portions; roll each portion into a ball.

Step 07

Coat Dough Balls: Dip each dough ball into the garlic Parmesan butter mixture, then arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 08

Add Toppings and Second Rise: Pour remaining garlic butter over the arranged dough balls; sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese; cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 09

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10

Bake Bread: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11

Cool and Serve: Allow bread to cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Stand mixer (optional)

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, egg, and dairy (cheese, butter).

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 220
  • Fat content: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Protein Amount: 6 g