Yep, I had to do it. Pull apart bread has been everywhere except on a billboard along the freeway, and ever since it has been that prominent in my head. The photos of these loaves look so tasty, I had to recreate it.
One question keeps popping into my mind though, and this is, if you are hosting a party, how do you insure that everyone gets a bite? I can easily picture Mr or Mrs table grazer pulling and pulling until there is nothing left but a buttery pan.
This is why I created the recipe in a jumbo muffin tin. Each person can have their own large muffin and pull as they please!
Due to indoor temperature lingering on the cool side, I let the dough rise in a warm oven. All I did was to turn the oven to 200°, and then I turned it off a few minutes before placing the dough inside.
This recipe for cheese garlic pull apart muffins also uses a garlic spread by that was given to me by my mother-in-law. She would use it on garlic bread and potato wedges to delicious effect. Check it out!
Cheese Garlic Pull Apart Muffins
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Pull apart muffins made with a buttery garlic spread and melty cheddar cheese inside.
Place sugar in warm water. I placed mine in the microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds and tested with my thermometer to insure it was between 120°-130° per the yeast package. (Your microwave and yeast package may vary.)
Slightly stir water to combine yeast, then let sit for 3 minutes to proof.
Place 2 cups of the flour into a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Or, use one beater if you do not have a paddle and your mixer allows it. Add the yeast and water, and combine.
Add the butter and an additional 1/2 cup of flour, or enough that the dough pulls away from the bowl.
Place onto a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes. Place into an oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
When dough has doubled in size, place onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle approximately 18" by 13".
Brush the melted butter onto the dough, and sprinkle your garlic herb spread onto the entire surface. Don't forget the edges!
Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into (6) 3-inch wide strips.
Layer one strip with as much cheese as you can fit. Then place another dough strip on top. Try not to stretch the dough when moving. Again place as much cheese as you can fit onto the dough. Repeat for all dough strips except the last. Place the last strip butter/garlic side down onto the cheese.
Cut the dough stacks into 6 equal squares, and place vertically into the muffin tin.
Let dough raise in a warm place an additional 40 minutes with a damp towel placed on top.
Preheat oven to 350°. Using the remaining 1 Tablespoon of butter, brush the tops of the muffins and bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Notes
Pull apart muffins made with a buttery garlic spread and melty cheddar cheese inside.
