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To make your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread, you will need: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 ½ cups warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) If you need to swap some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. - If you don't have active dry yeast, instant yeast works too. Just skip the proofing step. - You can use almond milk or oat milk if you want a dairy-free option. - For the cheeses, feel free to mix in gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Want to boost the flavor? Try these add-ins: - Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a savory twist. - Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for freshness. - For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. - You could even add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy flavor. These ingredients and options can help you create a festive and tasty bread that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking adventure! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to wake up the yeast. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You will see bubbles forming. This means the yeast is ready! In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center. Pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for 5 to 7 minutes. Your dough should feel smooth and elastic. Once your dough is ready, make it into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size. After rising, gently punch the dough down. Roll it out to a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Add garlic powder and dried Italian herbs for flavor. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Stack the strips to create layers. Cut the stacked dough into squares. Place the squares upright in a greased bundt pan. Cover the dough again with a towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). After rising, brush the tops with a beaten egg for shine. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and the cheese melted. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy pull-apart bread with a festive touch! To make soft bread, use warm milk at about 110°F. This helps the yeast work well. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This builds gluten, making it stretchy. Let the dough rise in a warm spot. It should double in size, showing it’s ready. For a golden-brown top, brush the dough with beaten egg. This gives a nice color as it bakes. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Check that the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top browns too fast, cover it lightly with foil. Knead the dough on a floured surface. Push, fold, and turn it to mix well. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for the best results. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl near the oven. Pro Tips Proof Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh by checking for bubbles after mixing it with warm milk and sugar. If it doesn't foam, start over with new yeast. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a better rise, allow your butter and milk to come to room temperature before mixing into the dough. Layer Your Cheese: For maximum cheesiness, consider mixing different types of cheese together, like mozzarella and cheddar, to create a more complex flavor. Cool Before Serving: Let the bread cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a platter. This helps it set and makes it easier to pull apart. {{image_4}} You can mix various cheeses for unique flavors. Try using gouda or pepper jack. They add a nice twist to the classic mozzarella and cheddar. For a rich taste, add cream cheese or brie. These cheeses melt wonderfully and create a creamy texture. Add seasonal ingredients to enhance your bread. You can include chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a fresh taste. During the holidays, try adding a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon. These spices bring warmth and a cozy vibe to your dish. You can also mix in some cooked bacon or sausage for a savory kick. Get creative with how you shape your bread. Instead of a bundt pan, use a loaf pan or a round cake pan. You can even form the dough into small rolls. This gives your bread a fun, bite-sized appeal. Adding a festive touch, you can shape the dough into a Christmas tree or wreath. This not only looks great but also makes serving easy. To keep your cheesy pull-apart bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. This helps prevent it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a humid area, refrigerating it can help extend its life. When you're ready to enjoy leftover bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a crispy crust, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If you have extra bread, freezing is a great option! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. The bread can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This keeps the bread soft and cheesy! Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It will make the bread denser. You may need to add more water to keep the dough soft. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. The bread is done when it is golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom lightly. If it sounds hollow, it is ready. Use an instant-read thermometer; it should read 190°F (88°C) inside. Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After shaping, cover it tightly and put it in the fridge. Let it rise on the counter for 30 minutes before baking. This helps develop the flavor. Serve the bread warm, with fresh herbs on top. You can pair it with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. It also goes well with a light salad or a hot soup. This blog post guided you through making delicious cheesy pull-apart bread. We covered key ingredients and their substitutes, along with tips for perfect dough and baking. Remember, using different cheeses and flavors can make your bread unique. Store extras properly to keep them fresh, and use our reheating tips to enjoy them later. Making this bread at home is fun and rewarding. Now, you're ready to bake and impress your friends and family with your skills!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread

A festive, cheesy bread perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1.5 cups warm milk (approximately 110°F/43°C)
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly—this ensures the yeast is activated.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt until evenly combined. Create a well in the center and pour in the melted butter along with the yeast mixture.
  • Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic to the touch.
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
  • Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the surface of the dough, followed by the garlic powder and dried Italian herbs for extra flavor.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips roughly 1 inch wide. Stack the strips on top of one another to create layers of cheesy goodness.
  • Carefully slice the stacked dough into squares and place them vertically in a greased bundt pan or a circular oven-safe dish, ensuring they are standing upright.
  • Cover the assembled dough with a towel again and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Once risen, brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving platter.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
Keyword bread, cheesy, holiday, pull-apart