Parmesan Pull Apart Bread
Transform frozen rolls into a golden, cheesy masterpiece with this easy Parmesan Pull Apart Bread. Infused with garlic and Italian herbs, it’s perfect for dipping or serving alongside pasta. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
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.
