Pull-Apart Cheese and Herb Bread: A Savory Twist on Traditional Bread Making

Drawing inspiration from both Eastern European dairy bread traditions and modern pull-apart techniques, this cheese and herb bread represents the perfect fusion of old-world comfort and contemporary presentation. I’ve found that this recipe creates an irresistibly fragrant loaf that’s perfect for sharing, with layers that peel away to reveal a perfect blend of herbs, cheese, and tender bread.

Preparation Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1.5 hours
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (200ml) kefir
• 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 cups (390-400g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Savory Filling

• 1 large egg white
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• 3 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (combination of parsley, dill, and chives)
• 200g (2 cups) semi-hard cheese, freshly grated (such as Gouda or Havarti)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Enriched Dough

1. Warm the kefir to lukewarm temperature (about 110°F/43°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine:

• Warm kefir
• Sugar
• Active dry yeast

1. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Proofed yeast mixture
• Room temperature eggs
• Melted, cooled butter

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Salt

1. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients.
2. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap.
4. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

2. Creating the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Egg white
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

1. Prepare herbs and cheese:

• Finely chop fresh herbs
• Grate cheese using medium holes

1. Set aside until assembly.

3. Assembly Process

1. Punch down risen dough.
2. Roll out on floured surface into 16×12 inch rectangle.
3. Spread filling mixture evenly, leaving ½-inch border.
4. Layer in order:

• Chopped herbs
• Grated cheese

1. Cut dough:

• First into 2-inch wide strips
• Then into 2-inch squares

1. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Stack squares vertically in pan.
3. Cover loosely with clean kitchen towel.
4. Let rise 30 minutes.

4. Baking to Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake 35-40 minutes until:

• Top is golden brown
• Internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C)

1. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from pan to cooling rack.

Expert Tips for Success

• Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for optimal dough development.
• Use freshly grated cheese for best melting properties.
• Don’t skip the second rise for proper texture.
• Rotate pan halfway through baking for even browning.
• Allow bread to cool slightly before pulling apart.

Storage Instructions

• Best served warm on the day it’s baked
• Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Can be reheated briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 315
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 11g

This pull-apart bread combines the tangy richness of kefir-based dough with a savory herb and cheese filling, creating an impressive yet comforting dish perfect for sharing. The layered technique ensures that each piece is perfectly seasoned and cheese-laden, while the enriched dough provides a soft, tender crumb that keeps well and reheats beautifully.