This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty twist on classic flavors! Imagine a loaf of warm bread filled with gooey cheese and spices, baked to golden perfection.
It’s perfect for sharing at parties or family dinners. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the way everyone pulls apart their piece while laughing and enjoying every cheesy bite!
I love serving this cheesy bread with a side of dipping sauce like ranch. Just be prepared—you might need to make two loaves next time! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A large round loaf is ideal for this recipe. Sourdough or a hearty artisan boule works well. If you can’t find those, any crusty bread will do. Just look for something that holds up when filled and baked!
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its gooeyness. Add cheddar if you prefer that sharp flavor. For a twist, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for extra creaminess. Use what you have on hand!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor. If you’re watching sodium, consider using a plant-based butter or olive oil for a lighter option. It works beautifully!
Green Onions: These add a nice crunch and a hint of onion flavor. You can replace them with shallots or even chives if that’s what you have. They work great to garnish, too!
Spices: Don’t stress if you lack smoked paprika; regular paprika does the job. If you like heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a nice swap. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences!
How Can I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
Getting that cheese to melt nicely is all about proper layering and timing. Here’s how to ensure the cheese is ooey-gooey:
- Cut deep but not through the bottom crust of the bread. This creates more space for cheese!
- Stuff the cheese generously into every opening. Press it in so it melds when it heats.
- Cover with foil for most of the baking time. This traps steam, helping the cheese melt evenly.
- Unwrap and bake longer to brown the top, allowing some crispiness while keeping the inside melty!
With these tips, your Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread will be the star of the table! Enjoy pulling apart those delicious pieces together.
Delicious Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 4-5 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh finely chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional for slight heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 45 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy. It’s quick, easy, and super delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect baking environment for your bread.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Using a sharp bread knife, make a crisscross pattern on the loaf. Cut vertically and horizontally about 1 inch apart, making sure not to slice all the way through the bottom crust. This keeps the loaf intact—perfect for pulling apart later!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped green onions, oregano, parsley, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix them well until everything’s nicely blended.
4. Stuff the Bread:
Gently use your fingers to pull open the cuts you made in the bread. Stuff the shredded mozzarella (and cheddar if you’re using it) into every opening. Don’t be shy—get that cheese in there!
5. Add the Butter Mixture:
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the loaf. Use a spoon to press the mixture into the bread and cheese, ensuring that it seeps into those tasty cracks.
6. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the stuffed loaf loosely in aluminum foil to keep it warm and moist. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the butter is bubbling.
7. Crisp the Crust:
After the initial baking, unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step will give the top of the loaf a beautiful golden brown, crispy crust.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining green onions and parsley on top. Serve warm and invite everyone to pull apart their cheesy, buttery piece. It’s messy, fun, and absolutely delicious!
This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is perfect for parties or as a snack, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough and boule are fantastic choices, you can use any crusty bread like ciabatta or Italian loaves as well. Just make sure it has a sturdy crust to hold everything together!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
You can prep the bread and stuff it with cheese ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese?
If you’re looking to reduce dairy or try something different, consider using vegan cheese or a mixture of nutritional yeast with herbs for flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese has melted again.
