This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s soft bread packed with cheesy goodness and seasoned with yummy spices. Just pull apart each piece for an amazing bite!
I love serving this at parties! It always disappears fast, and everyone enjoys tearing off a piece. Plus, it’s super easy to make—you can have fun with friends while baking too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough or Crusty Bread: Go for a round loaf with a solid crust. If sourdough isn’t available, a round Italian or French bread works well too. Just avoid soft sandwich bread—it won’t hold the filling.
Unsalted Butter & Olive Oil: I prefer using unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. If you need a healthier option, you can replace some or all of the butter with more olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can be used—about 1 teaspoon for each clove. Keep in mind it’s not as potent, so adjust to taste.
Onion: While a sweet onion fits well for a mild flavor, you can swap in green onions or even shallots if that’s what you have on hand. Just slice them thinly!
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for that melty texture. If you can’t find it, try using provolone or even Monterey Jack. For cheddar, any sharp cheese will enhance the flavor, like aged cheddar or gouda.
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Great question! To create those pretty cubes, you need to be careful with your cuts. Here’s how:
- Start by placing the loaf on a sturdy cutting board. Use a sharp bread knife for clean slices.
- Make criss-cross cuts all around the loaf, about 1 inch apart, being sure not to cut through the bottom. Keep the base intact to hold everything together.
- Go slowly and see where you need to make adjustments. It’s fine if some pieces come apart—it adds to the rustic charm!
By using this method, you minimize the risk of the bread falling apart during the baking process, letting all those tasty flavors seep in!
Bloomin’ Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of sourdough or crusty bread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes to cook. All in all, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish, and that includes baking time. Perfect for a warm and cheesy appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bread cook evenly and gets that cheese nice and gooey!
2. Slice the Bread:
Take your round loaf and slice it in a criss-cross pattern. Make cuts about 1 inch apart both horizontally and vertically, but be careful not to cut all the way through—leave the base intact so the loaf stays together!
3. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, dried parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add wonderful flavors to your bread!
4. Fill the Bread:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently pull apart the bread cubes just a bit to create gaps. Use a pastry brush or spoon to drizzle the buttery garlic mixture into these gaps—make sure to get it in deep!
5. Add Cheese and Onions:
Stuff the cheese between the cuts, layering in the mozzarella and cheddar. Add the sliced onions into some of the gaps as well—this adds extra flavor!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. The cheese should start to melt, and the bread will warm through.
7. Crisp it Up:
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and let the bread bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will make the top crispy and golden brown, just perfect!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once you take it out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm for everyone to tear off delicious, cheesy bread pieces—enjoy!
This Bloomin’ Onion Pull Apart Bread is a delightful crowd-pleaser! It’s loaded with delicious flavors and the fun presentation makes it a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough is recommended for its crusty exterior, you can use any round, crusty bread like Italian or French loaves. Just avoid soft sandwich bread as it won’t hold the fillings well.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the bread and apply the butter-garlic mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
For any leftover pull apart bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Experiment with the Cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for some heat, or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just ensure you use cheeses that melt well for that gooey texture!