This Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It features soft bread filled with gooey cheese and zesty spices, all baked to perfection. What’s not to love?
It’s great for sharing at parties or enjoying during movie night. I like to pull apart the pieces and dip them in ranch sauce—it makes each bite even better! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round sourdough or artisan bread works best for this recipe. Their sturdy crust holds the fillings well. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free bread that has a similar texture.
Cheese: I use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect stretchy and cheesy effect. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese or use nut-based cheese for a different flavor. Vegan cream cheese also works well!
Green Onions: They add a fresh, mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use finely chopped yellow onions or chives for a different taste. For a milder option, use sweet onions.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives amazing flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always best for that punchy taste.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or cayenne can work. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to your preferred heat level!
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Losing It?
The key to cutting the bread is to make sure you don’t go all the way through! Follow these tips to get it right:
- Use a serrated knife for easier slicing.
- Place the loaf on a stable cutting board. Make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, slicing down to about an inch from the bottom.
- Rotate the loaf and make horizontal cuts, again stopping before you reach the bottom. This gives you that blooming effect.
- Always start at the top and work your way down, taking your time to keep everything connected at the base.
This technique allows you to pull the pieces apart easily and creates the perfect vessel for all that delicious cheesy filling!
BLOOMIN’ ONION PULL APART BREAD RECIPE
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or artisan bread)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Ranch dressing or dipping sauce of choice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, plus 15-20 minutes for baking. This means you can enjoy this delicious pull apart bread in about 30-35 minutes overall. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread will bake evenly! While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Bread:
Grab your crusty loaf! Place it gently on a cutting board. With a sharp bread knife, make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, cutting down almost to the bottom but not completely through. Then, turn the loaf and make horizontal cuts, repeating the same spacing and technique to create a grid pattern. This makes it easy to pull apart later!
3. Mix the Flavors:
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and half of the chopped green onions and parsley. This mixture will add tons of flavor to your bread!
4. Drizzle & Stuff:
Gently pull apart the bread squares a bit to create spaces inside. Using a brush or spoon, drizzle and spread that tasty garlic butter mixture evenly between the cuts. Now, generously stuff the bread squares with your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese—make sure you get a lot in there!
5. Bake the Bread:
Place your stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining green onions and parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Once done, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a serving board. You can garnish with extra parsley if you’d like! Serve this warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy every cheesy bite!
This delightful dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a fun night in. Enjoy your homemade Bloomin’ Onion Pull Apart Bread!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
While fresh bread is preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen bread if needed. Just make sure it’s completely thawed and brought to room temperature before slicing to ensure clean cuts without tearing.
What Can I Use Instead of Green Onions?
If you don’t have green onions, you can substitute them with finely chopped chives or regular onions. For a milder flavor, use sweet onions, but be mindful of the stronger taste they might bring to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Pull Apart Bread?
Leftover pull apart bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or even different cheese blends are great additions that can enhance the flavor. Just be careful not to overstuff the bread so it stays together while baking!
