This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun twist on classic cheesy bread! It’s loaded with flavorful spices, gooey cheese, and has a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for sharing!
Honestly, who can resist pulling off a warm, cheesy piece? I often make it for game nights—everyone loves it, and it’s a sure crowd-pleaser! Just serve with your favorite dip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round sourdough or boule gives the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find these, any sturdy bread will work—just avoid soft sandwich bread. You can also try using French bread or Italian bread for a different twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella brings gooeyness, while cheddar adds sharpness. If you’re in a pinch, try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also mix in some cream cheese for extra smoothness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it allows you to control the salt level. If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead. This will still give you that rich flavor you want.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. In a hurry? Garlic powder works too—use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of the cloves. You can also experiment with garlic-infused oil for an added twist!
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Cutting the bread correctly is essential to getting those cheesy pieces! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a serrated bread knife for a clean cut.
- Make vertical slices about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Don’t cut all the way through; leave the bottom intact for the loaf to hold its shape.
- Rotate the bread 90 degrees and repeat with another set of cuts to create a grid pattern. This step allows for maximum cheesy goodness in every pull!
Take your time with this step—everyone will appreciate the perfectly cheesy bites later!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
- 8 oz (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull-apart bread takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, cheesy delight ready for sharing in about 45 minutes total—perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your bread bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden finish. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch any cheese that might ooze out during baking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Cut the Bread:
Using a sharp bread knife, carefully make vertical slices in the loaf about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom; you want the loaf to stay intact. After the first set of cuts, rotate the loaf 90 degrees and make another set of vertical cuts. This will create a grid of bread cubes, perfect for pulling apart.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This flavorful mixture will enhance the bread and add a lovely garlic kick.
4. Add the Cheese:
Gently open the bread cubes by pulling them apart slightly. Begin inserting shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the gaps between the cuts. Feel free to get generous—everyone loves cheesy bites!
5. Drizzle with Garlic Butter:
Using a brush or spoon, drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the surface and into the crevices of the bread. Make sure to coat all the edges for maximum flavor.
6. Top with Chives:
Sprinkle the chopped chives all over the bread. This adds a nice touch of freshness and color to your beautiful creation.
7. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely with aluminum foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the bread while it’s warm, and watch everyone have fun pulling apart cheesy, garlicky chunks. For an extra nod to the “bloomin onion” theme, consider serving it with a creamy spicy dipping sauce or ranch dip. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or boule is recommended for its sturdiness, you can also use French or Italian bread. Just make sure whatever you choose can hold up to being pulled apart!
Can I Prepare This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the bread and cheese filling ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with This Bread?
This pull-apart bread is fantastic on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a creamy dip like ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy cheese sauce. It pairs wonderfully with barbecued meats or as a snack at parties.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese melts again. Enjoy!
