This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s soft bread stuffed with gooey cheese and a mix of tasty spices that make it smell amazing as it bakes.
Baking this bread is like creating a cheesy masterpiece! I love pulling off each piece and enjoying it with friends. Perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying on movie nights! 🍞🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A large round loaf of sourdough or artisan bread works best for this recipe. If you can’t find these, a ciabatta or French bread could do the trick too. Just make sure it’s a hearty loaf!
Cheese: Mozzarella and sharp cheddar create a delicious combination, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add different flavors. Vegan cheese is a great option for a dairy-free substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over seasoning. If you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives, try margarine or plant-based butter. It won’t alter the flavor much!
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you like it spicier, feel free to increase the cayenne, or use red pepper flakes for a different kick. You could also leave it out altogether if preferred.
How Do I Cut the Bread Properly?
Cutting the bread might seem tricky, but it’s key to this recipe. The goal is to create a crosshatch pattern without slicing all the way through. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Start by cutting straight down into the bread, making about 1-inch apart cuts, but stop about 1 inch from the bottom to keep the loaf intact.
- Next, make similar cuts across the loaf in the opposite direction to create cubes.
Take your time with this step! Having nice, even cuts ensures every piece can be stuffed with cheese, making it easier to pull apart when served. Happy baking!
Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (sourdough or artisan style)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp minced green onions (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to bake. So, in just 40 minutes, you can have a warm and cheesy pull apart bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden!
2. Cut the Bread:
Using a sharp bread knife, carefully cut the loaf in a crosshatch pattern. Make around 1-inch wide cuts, but be sure not to slice all the way through the bottom. You want to keep the base of the loaf intact, so it holds together nicely.
3. Prepare the Cheese:
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This cheesy blend will be the star of your bread!
4. Make the Flavored Butter:
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chives, green onions (if using), smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until everything is well combined to create a delicious, aromatic butter mixture.
5. Stuff the Bread:
Gently stuff the cheese mixture deep into the cuts of the loaf. Ensure that the cheese gets nestled in really well, as this will melt beautifully during baking!
6. Add the Garlic Butter:
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire loaf. Use your fingers to get that buttery goodness deep into the cuts for maximum flavor.
7. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to start. This helps to warm the bread without over-browning it.
8. Get it Crispy:
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow the bread to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the bread to be crispy on the outside and for the cheese inside to be melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle extra chopped chives on top for a fresh finish. Serve the bread warm for the best cheesy, garlicky experience!
10. Enjoy!
Now comes the best part – pulling apart the pieces of cheesy, garlicky goodness and sharing them with your friends and family. Enjoy your Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread!
This recipe channels the flavors of the famous Bloomin Onion, marrying them with the irresistible appeal of cheesy pull apart bread that’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or artisan bread is ideal, you can also use ciabatta, French bread, or any other sturdy round loaf. Just ensure it has a thick crust to hold in the fillings.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Bread in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the stuffing stage a few hours ahead of time. Just cover it and let it sit at room temperature. Bake it just before serving for the freshest taste!
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! You can easily omit the cayenne pepper and adjust the amount of smoked paprika if you’re sensitive to spice. The bread will still be flavorful and delicious without the heat!
