This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun twist on regular bread! It’s soft, cheesy, and loaded with spices, making it perfect for sharing. Just pull apart the pieces, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Honestly, I can’t resist pulling off a piece as soon as it comes out of the oven—it’s just so warm and inviting! 🧀✨ I like to serve it with a tasty dip, and it’s always a hit at parties!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: I recommend using sourdough or a boule for this recipe. They both hold up well and provide a great texture. If you want a slightly sweeter bread, try using a challah. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the goodies inside!
Shredded Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best taste and melting qualities. If you’re looking for something different, feel free to use gouda, fontina, or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick!
Butter and Olive Oil: The combination helps the bread become extra crispy and flavorful. If you want to lighten it up, you can use all olive oil or even a plant-based butter alternative.
Seasonings: Customize the spices to your liking! If you’re not into heat, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also add Italian herbs or even a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for extra flavor!
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Ruining It?
Cutting the bread for this pull apart creation is crucial! Here’s how to do it right:
- Choose the Right Knife: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. It’ll help you make precise lines without squashing the bread.
- Make the Grid Pattern: Start by slicing vertically and then horizontally. Aim for about 1-inch spaces between cuts, but don’t cut all the way through!
- Keep It Intact: Be careful with the depth—you want to cut almost to the bottom but keep the loaf connected at the base.
This technique allows the garlic butter and cheese to seep into every delicious nook and cranny. Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (e.g., sourdough or boule), about 8-10 inches in diameter
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese and Garnish:
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar works well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before this delicious bread is ready to serve! The hard part will be waiting for it to cool just a bit before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your pull-apart bread bakes evenly and gets that lovely crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your round loaf and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully make cuts in a grid pattern – slice vertically and horizontally about 1-inch apart. Be careful to cut down almost to the bottom but not through to the base of the loaf, keeping it intact.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until combined. This mixture will add incredible flavor to your bread!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Now comes the fun part! Gently pull apart the bread pieces and brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture into the cuts, making sure it seeps down into the loaf. You want every piece to be bursting with flavor!
5. Add Cheese:
Generously stuff shredded cheese into each gap of the bread slices. Make sure to press the cheese down a bit so it melts perfectly inside when baking. You can mix it up by adding different cheese types if you like!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the stuffed loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This helps to keep the bread soft.
7. Unwrap and Crisp:
After 15 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is all melted and bubbly. It will smell amazing!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the bread with chopped chives or green onions and parsley (if using). Serve warm, and let everyone enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, flavor-packed pieces! It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for any gathering.
Enjoy your Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread—everyone will love it!
Can I Use Any Type of Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! While sourdough or boule are great options for their sturdy texture, you can also use other types of crusty bread like ciabatta or even a baguette. Just make sure it’s round or semi-round for the best presentation.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread in advance by following steps 1-5. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before wrapping in foil and baking as directed.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
A mix of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect for this recipe due to their melting qualities and flavors. You can also try gouda, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through and crispy again.
