Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

I make this flavor packed bread often and it is our family favorite. It’s simple and easy to make and it takes garlic bread to a new level.  They smell, look and taste amazing. Best of all, is the satisfaction you get while tearing into the loaf.

Makes – 2 loaves

Ingredients

Dough

4 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
2 teaspoons table salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk, 110 degrees Fahrenheit
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)

Filling

8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic paste
1 teaspoon chives (chopped) or parsley (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Glaze

1 tablespoon butter (melted) – Optional – to brush the tops after baking

INSTRUCTIONS

For the dough:

1. In a mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar and eggs.
2. Fit the mixer with a dough hook, run the mixer on low for 30 seconds until the eggs are just combined.
3. Microwave milk for 40-60 seconds until it registers 110°F. Slowly add the warm milk to the dough mixture.  
4. Chop 1/2 stick butter into 12 pieces and add them. Knead the dough on medium speed until it’s smooth and shinny about 8-10 minutes. 
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 90 -120 minutes, until it’s almost doubled in volume.

For the filling: 

1. Place the filling ingredients in a small bowl and mix well with a fork.

For assembling:

1. Deflate the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough into a 15″ x 7″ rectangle. Spread half of butter herb mixture. Using a pizza wheel slice the dough lengthwise in the middle. Slice it into 6 pieces breadth wise. Place it in sprayed loaf pan (8 1/2 x 4 1/2) cut side up. 
2. Cover the pans and let the dough rise for about 90 minutes, until it’s puffy and starting to fill the pan. 
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 22 to 25 minutes. The tops should be golden brown.  Remove the bread from oven; brush with melted butter, if desired. Let the loaves sit in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Turn the loaves out of the pan and serve warm.