Irresistible Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread Recipe for Cheese Lovers

Cheddar pull-apart bread changes ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences with its irresistible, cheesy allure.

Warm, golden layers beckon from the plate, promising a sensory adventure that goes beyond typical side dishes.

Soft, pillowy sections practically melt in your mouth, creating a textural symphony that delights the senses.

Each carefully crafted piece promises a perfect balance of sharp cheese and tender dough.

Fragrant herbs and rich dairy notes weave through every intricate fold, elevating this bread from simple carbohydrate to culinary masterpiece.

Comfort and indulgence merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing creation that sparks conversation and builds connections around the table.

You will find yourself returning for just one more piece, unable to resist its magnetic charm.

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread

• Savor Cheesy Layers: Each bite delivers a rich, melty combination of cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan cheeses that create an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Spice Up Your Comfort: The subtle heat from minced jalapenos adds a zesty kick, transforming this bread from ordinary to extraordinary without overwhelming the palate.
• Customize with Ease: This recipe allows flexible rising times and simple ingredient mixing, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers who want a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.
• Pull-Apart Perfection: The spring-form pan technique ensures each roll is coated in herbed butter and cheese, creating a fun, interactive eating experience where guests can tear and share warm, fragrant bread pieces.

What You Need for Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread

• Rhodes Rolls: Soft, pre-made frozen dough that provides the foundation for the pull-apart bread and saves preparation time.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gouda Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheeses that add rich flavor and create a delicious melted topping with different texture profiles.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that provide aromatic and earthy undertones to enhance the bread's flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, warm garlic essence without using fresh garlic.

• Butter: Provides moisture, rich flavor, and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Jalapeno: Fresh pepper that adds a zesty, spicy kick to the bread, can be adjusted based on heat preference.

• Nonstick Baking Spray: Ensures the bread doesn't stick to the pan and helps with easy removal.
• Aluminum Foil: Catches potential butter drips and protects the oven from mess.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps create the ideal environment for dough rising.

Instructions for Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Prepare Dough Base

Thaw Rhodes rolls for 30 minutes and carefully cut each roll in half.

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixture

• Melted butter
• Half of minced jalapeno
• Oregano
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• Cheddar cheese
• Gouda cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Gently mix cut rolls into the flavor mixture.

Step 3: Set Up Baking Pan

Spray a 9-inch spring-form pan with nonstick baking spray.

Transfer seasoned rolls into the prepared pan.

Step 4: Allow Dough to Rise

Cover the pan with plastic wrap.

Let dough rise in a warm area until it doubles in size (2-3.5 hours depending on room conditions).

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

• Cheddar cheese
• Gouda cheese
• Minced jalapeno

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place aluminum foil under the spring-form pan to catch potential butter drips.

Step 7: Bake Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese turns light golden and rolls are fully cooked.

Tips for Cheesy Bread Perfection

• Master Cheese Distribution: Ensure even cheese spread by gently tossing rolls in the butter-cheese mixture, coating each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Control Dough Rising: Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help rolls rise consistently and achieve the perfect soft texture.
• Prevent Burning: Loosely tent with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking, protecting the delicate cheese crust.
• Enhance Spice Balance: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Serve Immediately: Pull apart bread tastes best when warm, allowing the melted cheese to stretch dramatically and maintain its gooey consistency.

How to Store Pull-Apart Bread

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bread away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicious flavor.
• Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place the entire loaf in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra flavor boost.
• Freezing: Slice the bread, wrap each section in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Best Pairings for Cheddar Bread

• Elevate with Zesty Wine Pairing: Grab a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños, cutting through the bread's richness with its bright acidity.
• Match with Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork to balance the cheesy bread's indulgent texture and provide a protein-packed accompaniment.
• Create Refreshing Salad Contrast: Prepare a light, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to offset the bread's richness and add a fresh, green element to the meal.
• Enhance with Cool Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick jalapeño ranch or cool sour cream dip to complement the bread's spicy notes and provide a creamy counterpoint to the melted cheese.

Ways to Customize Pull-Apart Bread

• Spicy Pepper Jack Bread: Replace cheddar and Gouda with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick, adding diced green chiles for more heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Rolls: Swap out jalapenos with sun-dried tomatoes, replace oregano and basil with rosemary and thyme, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon Cheddar Bread: Incorporate crispy chopped bacon bits into the butter mixture, use sharp cheddar cheese, and add some cracked black pepper for a savory, smoky flavor profile.
• Ranch-Inspired Cheesy Rolls: Mix in ranch seasoning powder with the garlic powder, use a blend of white cheddar and monterey jack cheese, and top with chopped chives for a tangy, herbaceous variation.

Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheddar pull-apart bread delivers a cheesy, irresistible experience straight from kitchen comfort zones. Warm, golden layers of sharp cheddar invite friends and family to tear, share, and savor each delectable morsel together.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
• 15 Rhodes rolls (frozen unbaked roll dough)

Cheese Topping:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons (59 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Gently thaw Rhodes rolls at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, then carefully slice each roll in half.
2. Prepare a flavor-packed mixture by combining melted unsalted butter (or 113 grams), half of the finely chopped jalapeno peppers, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and a blend of shredded cheeses including cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan.
3. Thoroughly coat the halved rolls in the seasoned butter and cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
4. Generously spray a 9-inch (23-centimeter) spring-form pan with non-stick cooking spray, then carefully arrange the coated roll pieces inside.
5. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the dough to proof in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in volume, which may take between 2 to 3 1/2 hours depending on ambient temperature and humidity.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position an aluminum foil sheet beneath the spring-form pan to catch potential butter drippings.
7. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the remaining cheddar, Gouda cheeses, and chopped jalapeno evenly across the top of the rolls.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese develops a light golden-brown color and the rolls are thoroughly cooked.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the cheese set and prevent burning.

Notes

• Prepare the rolls by thawing and cutting them in half, which helps create more surface area for delicious cheese and herb coating.
• Create a flavor-packed butter mixture by combining herbs, garlic powder, and three different cheeses for a rich, tangy base.
• Allow ample rising time between 2-3.5 hours, depending on kitchen temperature and humidity, to achieve perfect bread texture.
• Use a spring-form pan with aluminum foil underneath to prevent messy butter drips and ensure easy removal of the bread.
• Watch carefully during baking, looking for lightly browned cheese and fully cooked rolls as your doneness indicators.
• Serve warm for maximum cheese pull and enjoyment, making this a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 287 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 349 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg