When it comes to making something that is both delicious and visually impressive, Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is a true showstopper. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just looking to indulge in a savory treat, this bread is sure to leave everyone reaching for more. The combination of Mediterranean herbs, garlic, and rich olive oil creates an aromatic loaf that is soft, golden, and irresistibly shareable. This pull-apart bread is perfect for dipping, pairing with your favorite dishes, or simply tearing apart with joy. Let’s dive deep into the origins of this bread, its ingredients, and step-by-step preparation methods to help you craft a truly exceptional dish!
What is Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread?
Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is a soft and fluffy bread made with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, combined with garlic and olive oil for a savory, aromatic flavor. The dough itself is easy to make and incorporates a little bit of sugar and olive oil, resulting in a soft texture and rich flavor. The dough is then divided into small balls, coated in a fragrant herb oil, and arranged in a bundt pan or loaf tin. The best part is that the bread is easy to pull apart, making it a fun, shareable dish for any occasion.
This type of bread is highly versatile and perfect for various occasions, from holiday feasts to casual gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main attraction at your dinner table, it’s sure to impress with its beautiful golden color and mouthwatering aroma.
The Origin of Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread
Pull-apart bread has a long history, though its exact origin is a bit elusive. It has evolved in many cultures, often being referred to as monkey bread or sticky bread in some regions. The concept of bread that can be easily pulled apart goes back to the ancient baking traditions, where rustic, hearty loaves were shared among family and friends. The modern variation of Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is inspired by Mediterranean baking, where olive oil is a key ingredient in many savory dishes.
Today, Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is often associated with gatherings and festive meals, making it an ideal recipe for both casual and formal occasions. The communal nature of the dish—everyone tearing off pieces and sharing in the experience—adds to its charm and appeal.
Ingredients for Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread
To make this flavorful Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and lightness.
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast: The yeast helps the dough rise and gives it a soft, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Salt is essential for flavor and balance in the dough.
- 1 tbsp sugar: A small amount of sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk: The warm milk provides the liquid needed to activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
- 1 large egg: The egg adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil: Olive oil not only adds flavor but also makes the bread soft and tender.
For the Herb Oil Coating:
- ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil: A rich, high-quality olive oil serves as the base for the herb-infused coating.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic and savory depth of flavor to the oil.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary: Rosemary brings a woodsy, fragrant note to the oil.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme: Thyme complements the rosemary with its earthy, savory aroma.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, bright flavor to the mix.
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, chili flakes can add a mild spicy kick to the coating.
- ½ tsp salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the herb oil mixture.
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation
1: Make the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir gently to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, egg, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
2: Prepare the Herb Oil
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped parsley, chili flakes (if using), and salt.
- Stir the mixture well to combine, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
3: Shape and Coat the Dough
- Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Cut and shape: Cut the dough into approximately 30 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Coat the dough balls: Dip each dough ball into the prepared herb oil mixture, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Arrange in a pan: Grease a bundt pan or loaf tin, and layer the dough balls loosely inside, making sure they fit snugly but are not compressed.
4: Final Rise
- Let it rise again: Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30–40 minutes, or until it is puffed and nearly doubled in size.
5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake the bread for about 25–30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool slightly: Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter.
Variations of Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread
While the classic version of Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is already delicious, you can experiment with different ingredients and variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese-filled Pull-Apart Bread: Add a layer of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) between the dough balls for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Garlic Butter Twist: Substitute the herb oil with garlic butter for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Spicy Variant: Increase the chili flakes for a spicier kick or add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Olive & Sun-dried Tomato Version: Mix in chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added Mediterranean flavor.
FAQs About Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread
Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour in this recipe. Bread flour will result in a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well for soft and fluffy bread.
Q2: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Let it rise in the refrigerator overnight and shape it the next day. You can also freeze the dough balls after they are coated with the herb oil and bake them when you’re ready.
Q3: What is the best way to store this bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month.
Q4: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs.
Q5: How can I make this bread even more flavorful?
You can add extra spices like oregano, basil, or even a pinch of cumin to enhance the flavor profile.
Conclusion: Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread
Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is more than just a delicious bread; it’s an experience that brings people together. With its golden, pillowy texture, infused with Mediterranean herbs and garlic, every bite is a burst of flavor that’s perfect for dipping or sharing. Follow the simple steps, and you’ll be left with a fresh, aromatic loaf that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
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Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread: The Ultimate Savory Delight for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rising)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Herb & Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread is a soft and fluffy bread made with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, combined with garlic and olive oil for a savory, aromatic flavor. The dough itself is easy to make and incorporates a little bit of sugar and olive oil, resulting in a soft texture and rich flavor. The dough is then divided into small balls, coated in a fragrant herb oil, and arranged in a bundt pan or loaf tin. The best part is that the bread is easy to pull apart, making it a fun, shareable dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) buckwheat flour
- ½ cup (60g) almond flour or oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ⅓ cup (65g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil or melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup (60g) Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), then reduce to 375°F (190°C) after 5 minutes of baking.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, almond/oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, yogurt, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine
- Add wet ingredients to dry. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts.
5. Bake
- Scoop batter evenly into muffin cups (fill about ¾ full).
- Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce to 375°F and bake for 12–15 minutes more.
- Muffins should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
This bread is soft, aromatic, and perfect for sharing. Serve it warm as a side with soups, stews, or pasta, or enjoy it on its own dipped in extra olive oil.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread / Savory Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx.)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Herb pull-apart bread, olive oil pull-apart bread, Mediterranean pull-apart bread, garlic herb bread
