This Parmesan Pull Apart Bread transforms simple frozen rolls into a warm, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any meal.
Packed with protein from parmesan and mozzarella and rich in flavorful herbs, it offers satisfying comfort with minimal effort.
Quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings, it’s an easy, fiber-rich option for everyday cooking.
Parmesan Pull Apart Bread
Equipment
- 1 Bundt pan
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 cookie sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen dinner rolls e.g., Rhodes Rolls
- 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
Instructions
- Prepare Frozen Rolls: Begin by removing the bag of frozen dinner rolls from the freezer. Spread them evenly on a large cookie sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Allow them to thaw at room temperature until they are soft but not fully risen — about 30–40 minutes. This gentle thawing ensures the rolls maintain their light texture and absorb flavors during baking.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the rolls are thawing, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a microwave-safe medium bowl, combine one stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter, two teaspoons of minced garlic, one teaspoon of dried basil, and half a teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir gently to distribute the herbs and garlic evenly throughout the butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and fragrant. This butter mixture will infuse the bread with deep, savory flavor.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the butter mixture is melting, prepare the cheese blend. In a separate mixing bowl, combine two cups of freshly grated parmesan cheese. If desired, add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess and stretch. Mix gently until fully blended. This combination will create a flavorful coating that enhances the bread’s texture and taste.
- Coat Rolls with Butter: Once the rolls are soft, work one at a time to coat them in the garlic herb butter. Use a spoon to drizzle butter over each roll, ensuring complete coverage. This step is essential to achieve a rich, flavorful crust and a buttery interior once baked.
- Roll in Cheese Mixture: After buttering each roll, roll it thoroughly in the cheese mixture until fully coated. Press gently so the cheese adheres evenly. This step adds texture and delivers the signature cheesy pull-apart flavor that makes this bread irresistible.
- Arrange Rolls in Bundt Pan: Lightly grease your bundt pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated rolls snugly into the pan, arranging them so they slightly touch. This arrangement allows them to rise together, producing the pull-apart effect.
- Allow Rolls to Rise: Cover the bundt pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 20–30 minutes. This resting period gives the dough time to expand, ensuring fluffy, tender bread.
- Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bundt pan on the center oven rack and bake for 30–35 minutes. Bake until the bread is golden brown and the cheese coating is melted and slightly crisp. The aroma of garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen when it’s ready.
- Cool Before Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Cooling allows the bread to firm up slightly for easy removal and enhances flavor blending.
- Serve and Enjoy: Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate carefully. Optionally, place a small glass cup or ramekin filled with warm marinara sauce in the center for dipping. Serve warm so the cheese remains melty and the bread tender. This bread is perfect as a centerpiece for dinner or as a satisfying appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality frozen rolls such as Rhodes brand. This ensures consistent texture and flavor.
- Make sure rolls are thawed but not over-proofed before coating; otherwise, they may collapse during baking.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese works best for flavor and texture, though pre-grated cheese is convenient.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture.
- If you want a softer bread crust, cover loosely with foil during the first half of baking, then remove for the last 10 minutes.
Chef’s Secrets: Unlock Bread’s Maximum Flavor
The key to an unforgettable Parmesan Pull Apart Bread lies in balancing flavor, texture, and aroma.
First, allowing the rolls to thaw gently helps maintain a light, airy crumb.
The garlic herb butter should be freshly prepared to preserve its fragrant qualities — microwaving briefly ensures the butter doesn’t separate.
Using a combination of parmesan and mozzarella creates a rich flavor and irresistible pull-apart texture.
Arranging rolls snugly in the bundt pan promotes even baking and a beautiful presentation.
Lastly, adding an optional garnish of fresh parsley or basil just before serving elevates both flavor and appearance, making your bread a centerpiece.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings For Bread
Parmesan Pull Apart Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
Serve alongside a hearty pasta like spaghetti marinara or fettuccine Alfredo for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
For a cozy appetizer, offer it with a small bowl of warm marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce.
This bread also complements soups such as tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar.
For entertaining, present the bread as a centerpiece on a cheese board alongside cured meats, olives, and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing option.
Storage Tips: Keep Bread Fresh Longer
To preserve freshness, store leftover bread covered tightly in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days.
For longer storage, wrap in airtight foil or a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to one month.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for best results, or warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick snack.
Avoid storing bread in direct sunlight or humid environments, as it can lead to sogginess or mold.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh rolls instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh rolls can be used, but they may require less rising time. If they’re already soft, coat them directly with the butter mixture before baking. Frozen rolls, however, give the bread a more uniform texture when baked.
2. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free parmesan and mozzarella substitute. While flavor will vary slightly, the texture and pull-apart effect will remain delightful.
3. How can I make this bread ahead of time?
Prepare the coated rolls and arrange them in the bundt pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
Bake the next day at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes until golden. This is a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
4. Can I add extra flavors to this bread?
Yes, customize your bread with additional seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, or sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a mild heat, while garlic powder can enhance the overall savory taste.
5. How should I serve this bread for the best experience?
Serve it warm so the cheese stays melty and the bread remains soft. Place a small bowl of marinara sauce, garlic butter, or herbed olive oil in the center for dipping.
This not only enhances flavor but makes it visually appealing.
