This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun twist on the classic! It’s warm, cheesy, and garlicky, making it perfect for sharing (or not!). Just pull apart a piece and enjoy!
Seriously, who can resist cheesy bread? I love making this for game nights or family gatherings. It’s always a hit, and everyone goes for seconds—just don’t forget the napkins! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Crusty Bread: Sourdough or a good crusty boule works best as it holds the shape well. If you want a milder flavor, try a French bread loaf.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. You can use salted butter, but adjust the added salt to avoid oversalting.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use about 1 teaspoon instead.
Cheese: I love mozzarella and cheddar for their meltiness. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs (like Italian seasoning) can work as well and add great flavor.
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Breaking It?
Cutting the bread correctly is key to maintaining its shape while creating pull-apart pieces. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a serrated knife, which makes cutting easier.
- Make vertical cuts across the top, then rotate the bread and repeat horizontally. Cut about 3/4 of the way down.
- Don’t cut all the way through! Aim to keep the base intact to hold everything together.
Take your time with this step, and ensure even spacing for best results. Enjoy this satisfying and tasty bread that everyone will enjoy pulling apart!
Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or boule)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour from start to finish, including baking and garnishing time. Perfect for a delicious appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier later.
2. Cut the Bread Loaf:
Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread in a crosshatch pattern. Make cuts about 3/4 of the way down without going all the way through the bottom. Rotate the bread and repeat until you’ve made cuts in both directions, forming a grid—this will help create those pull-apart sections.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This buttery mixture is what will make the bread so flavorful!
4. Drizzle the Mixture into the Bread:
Slowly drizzle the garlic butter mixture into the cuts of the bread. Make sure to get it into all the crevices. A small brush or spoon can help with this part, ensuring the butter is well-distributed.
5. Stuff the Cheese into the Cuts:
Next, generously stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each of the cuts, trying to fill in all the gaps as much as you can. The more cheese, the better!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Unwrap and Continue Baking:
After 15 minutes, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melty.
8. Garnish:
Once you take it out of the oven, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley and optional chives or green onions on top for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the pull apart bread on a cutting board or platter while it’s still warm. Let everyone dig in by pulling apart their own cheesy, garlicky pieces. Enjoy!
This mouthwatering recipe combines the fun of pull-apart bread with the familiar flavors of a bloomin onion. Perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough and boule work best, you can substitute with other crusty breads like French bread or Ciabatta. Just make sure it has a sturdy crust to hold the fillings.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull apart bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and cut it a day in advance, then cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to pour the garlic butter mixture into the cuts right before baking so the bread stays fresh!
How Can I Make It Spicier?
If you love a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or swapping part of the cheese for pepper jack. This will give your pull apart bread a delightful kick!
