This fun Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is all about sharing and enjoying! It’s a cheesy, buttery loaf with lots of flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for parties or game day!
Honestly, who can resist tearing off warm, cheesy pieces of bread? I always keep a extra napkin handy because it gets messy—and that’s part of the fun! 🥳
Making it is super easy too! Just prepare your ingredients, stuff the bread, and bake until it’s golden. You’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A large round crusty bread like sourdough or country bread creates the best outer layer for pulling apart. If you can’t find those, consider using a baguette or even a soft Italian bread.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or olive oil in place of butter. It won’t taste quite the same, but will still be tasty!
Cheese: I love using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey and rich flavor. You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or a non-dairy cheese for a vegan version. Parmesan adds depth, but if you prefer, you can skip it and stick to the other cheeses.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives add brightness. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work—just use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Cut the Bread Perfectly for Pull Apart?
Cutting the bread properly is key for this recipe to truly be a pull-apart treat. You want to create a grid without cutting all the way through the bottom. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Ensure you’re using a serrated knife, which helps you make clean cuts without squishing the bread.
- Start by slicing the bread vertically, making about 1-inch apart cuts, but not cutting all the way through the bottom.
- Rotate the bread and make similar cuts horizontally to form squares, ensuring you don’t slice through the crust.
This method keeps the loaf intact while allowing it to soak up the garlic butter and melted cheese, giving you the best results when serving!
Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or country bread)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this delicious pull-apart bread will take you about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes in the oven—just enough time for it to become gooey and golden. You’ll have a tasty snack or appetizer ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the bread.
2. Prepare the Bread
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the loaf of bread in a crosshatch pattern. Slice about 3/4 of the way through the loaf without cutting all the way through the bottom crust. Turn the bread and make the same cuts perpendicular to the first ones to create a checkerboard pattern.
3. Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chopped chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This garlic butter will give your bread a flavorful boost!
4. Stuff the Bread
Now it’s time to infuse the flavor! Gently open the cuts in the bread. Using your fingers or a spoon, drizzle and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly into the cracks. Then, stuff the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses deep into the cut sections until well filled.
5. Wrap and Bake
Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in aluminum foil to help it steam and keep the bread soft. Place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6. Bake the Bread
Bake the wrapped loaf for 15 minutes. Then, carefully unwrap the foil, allowing the steam to escape, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve
Take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle some extra chopped chives on top to make it look fancy. Let it cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your fingers. Serve warm, pulling apart the cheesy sections to enjoy the gooey goodness!
This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is not only cheesy and delicious, but it also puts a fun spin on sharing food! Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Store-Bought Garlic Butter for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought garlic butter can save you time. Just make sure it’s a good quality brand, and add fresh herbs to amp up the flavor if you’d like!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the bread and stuff it with the garlic butter and cheese up to a day in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, just unwrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What Should I Serve with the Pull Apart Bread?
This bread is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh salad, or your favorite appetizer spread to complement its cheesy, savory flavors!
