Gluten-Free Magic: My Go-To Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread (That Actually Works!)
Hey friends! How many times have you seen those gorgeous, tear-away bread photos online and sighed, thinking, "Yeah, *that* will never happen with gluten-free bread"? I hear you. I've been there. Gluten-free baking can feel like a frustrating science experiment, especially when you're craving something comforting like a warm, cheesy, herby loaf.
But fear not! After countless attempts (and a few gluten-free brick-like disasters, let's be honest), I've finally cracked the code. This Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread is the real deal. It's soft, it's flavourful, it pulls apart beautifully, and it's surprisingly easy to make. It makes a fantastic appetizer, or a great side dish for a casual weekend meal.
This recipe is special to me because it reminds me of family gatherings. Growing up, my grandma always made a regular version of this dish, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the entire house. So, being able to recreate that memory, gluten-free, is pretty magical. Let's get baking!
What You'll Need (Your Gluten-Free Arsenal):
- 1 ½ cups (180g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum (I've had great results with Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour).
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy milk works)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Optional: A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for the top!
Ingredient Notes & Helpful Swaps:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Using the right flour blend is crucial. A blend specifically designed for baking, with xanthan gum already added, will give you the best texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Easily make this dairy-free! Use your favorite dairy-free milk and a dairy-free mozzarella alternative. The flavor is still incredible.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs really elevate the flavour, but in a pinch (or during winter), you can substitute dried herbs. Just use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to experiment! Sharp cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan would be delicious.
Let's Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients Join the Party: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil.
- Combine & Conquer: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until *just* combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
- Garlic Herb Butter Magic: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, and Italian herb blend.
- Layer Up for Pull-Apart Perfection: Transfer half of the batter to the prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the garlic herb butter evenly over batter. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella evenly over the batter. Finally, spread half of the remaining batter over the cheese.
- Continue Layering: Drizzle the remaining garlic herb butter evenly over the top. Sprinkle another one-third of the mozzarella evenly over the batter, and repeat step 6 for the last layer.
- Cheese to the Max: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. if desired, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake to Golden Glory: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
- Cool Slightly & Devour: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. The cooling process helps set up so it is able to pull apart nicely. Tear individual pieces with your hands and enjoy the cheesy, herby goodness!
Tips & Tricks for Pull-Apart Success:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing gluten-free batter can lead to a tough, dense bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Since oven temps vary, start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. The toothpick test is your best friend!
- Add Some Heat: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter mixture.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using. Or, Mix the batter up to a day in advance.
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Recipe Card: Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Yields: 8-10 Servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and olive oil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, chives, and Italian herbs.
- Layer half the batter, half the garlic herb butter, and 1/3 of the cheese in the pan. Repeat for second layer
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and everything bagel seasoning (optional).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before serving. Tear and enjoy!
Product Recommendations (Because We All Need a Little Help!):
- For a perfectly browned bottom crust, consider using a 9-inch springform pan for easier removal.
- A good quality garlic press makes mincing garlic a breeze!
- This recipe is easy to make in a stand mixer which is what I used.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! I promise, it's easier than it looks, and the results are totally worth it. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you! Happy baking (and pulling apart!)!
2 Comments
How are they pull apart if you are layering the dough?
ReplyDeleteHow many carbs per serving + nutrient s
ReplyDelete