There’s something irresistible about warm, freshly baked bread, especially when it’s stuffed with a gooey cheese mixture and infused with garlic. This Stuffed Garlic Bread Pull-Apart Ring is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines soft, pillowy bread with a rich, cheesy filling and aromatic garlic butter. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, family dinner, or holiday celebration, this showstopper dish will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Bread and Filling:
- 2 tubes (13.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons (56g) butter, melted, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Additional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, half of the minced garlic, and half of the chopped parsley.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough Balls
- Unroll both tubes of pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each piece of dough into 8 equal squares (16 squares total).
- Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each dough square.
- Fold all four corners of each square toward the center and pinch the edges together to seal completely.
- Roll gently between your palms to form a ball shape, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
Step 4: Arrange the Bread Ring
- Position the stuffed dough balls in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, with the sealed sides facing inward.
- Place them close together so they touch slightly.
- Leave a hole in the center (for marinara sauce later).
Step 5: Add Flavor and Bake
- Brush the arranged dough balls with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the rest of the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the dough balls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is puffed up and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley.
- Place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center of the ring.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (based on 16 pieces):
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 16 pieces
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Sealing Technique: When sealing the dough balls, pinch firmly and roll gently to ensure no cheese leaks out during baking.
- Even Sizing: Try to make all dough pieces and filling portions approximately the same size for even baking.
- Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic in the butter briefly before brushing it on the dough.
- Cheese Variations: For the best stretchy pull-apart effect, make sure at least half of your cheese mixture is a good melting cheese like mozzarella.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dough Options: If refrigerated pizza dough isn’t available, you can use homemade pizza dough, bread dough, or even biscuit dough as alternatives.
- Cheese Combinations: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for heat, fontina for extra meltiness, or add some grated parmesan for sharpness.
- Filling Add-ins: Enhance your filling with finely chopped pepperoni, cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Herb Variations: Substitute the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Sweet Version: For a dessert variation, fill with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and fruit preserves, then top with cinnamon sugar instead of garlic butter.
Common FAQs
1. Can I prepare this bread ring ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire ring up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then brush with egg wash and garlic butter just before baking.
2. My cheese is leaking out during baking. What went wrong?
Make sure to pinch and seal the dough thoroughly. If you’re still having issues, try using slightly less filling or chilling the assembled ring for 15-20 minutes before baking.
3. Can I freeze this bread ring?
You can freeze the unbaked, assembled ring for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before brushing with egg wash and baking.
4. What can I serve with this besides marinara sauce?
Ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a spinach-artichoke dip would all make excellent dipping alternatives.
5. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The top should be golden brown, and if you gently lift one piece, the bottom should also be lightly browned and no longer doughy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too but may make the bread slightly chewier.
- Freezing Baked Bread: You can freeze fully baked and cooled bread pieces for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and place in a freezer bag.
- Make-Ahead Components: The cheese filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using for easier spreading.
- Party Prep Tip: For entertaining, prepare multiple rings with different fillings and dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing bread bar that will satisfy various tastes.
This Stuffed Garlic Bread Pull-Apart Ring isn’t just delicious – it’s an interactive food experience that brings people together. Watching guests pull apart the soft, cheese-filled pieces is almost as enjoyable as eating them. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or any gathering where you want to make a memorable impression!
