Description
This showstopping Pull Apart Christmas Bread features golden buttery dough stuffed with melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs. Each pull reveals gooey cheese strings in this festive centerpiece that’s easier to make than it looks!
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup warm water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for wash)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Coarse sea salt for finishing
Instructions
1. In large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In separate bowl, mix warm milk, water, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and egg.
2. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until shaggy dough forms. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp towel, and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. While dough rises, combine mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, half the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in bowl. Mix well.
5. In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter with remaining garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
6. Punch down risen dough and roll into 18×24-inch rectangle on floured surface.
7. Brush dough with half the garlic butter mixture, leaving 1-inch border on one long edge.
8. Sprinkle cheese-herb mixture evenly over buttered dough, pressing lightly to adhere.
9. Roll dough tightly from long edge into log shape. Pinch seam to seal.
10. Cut log into 2-inch pieces (12-16 pieces total) using serrated knife.
11. Arrange pieces cut-side up in greased bundt pan or wreath shape on parchment-lined baking sheet, overlapping slightly.
12. Brush remaining garlic butter over arranged pieces. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
13. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
14. Let rest in pan 10 minutes. Invert onto serving platter or transfer to board. Brush with additional butter and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh herbs.
Notes
Store-bought pizza dough or frozen bread dough works as shortcut—use 2 pounds total.
Can be assembled night before and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature 45 minutes before baking.
Freeze baked bread up to 3 months wrapped tightly. Reheat wrapped in foil at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil after 20 minutes.
Use block cheese and shred yourself for best melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
For dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Bread, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Yeast Bread
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Keywords: pull apart christmas bread, cheesy bread, holiday bread, christmas appetizer, festive bread, garlic herb bread
