This Bloomin’ Onion Pull Apart Bread is a fun twist on a classic appetizer! It’s gooey, cheesy, and filled with herbs that make every bite burst with flavor.
What’s more, you get to pull apart the pieces like it’s your birthday every day! I love serving it warm with some dipping sauce on the side—it’s just too tasty to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round loaf of crusty bread, like sourdough or boule, works best. If you prefer a softer texture, you can try ciabatta or an Italian loaf. Just keep in mind that these may not hold the cheese as well.
Onion: I use a large onion for its robust flavor. If you want a milder taste, consider using shallots or green onions instead. Both add a nice twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are my go-tos because they melt beautifully. For a more unique flavor, feel free to use gouda or pepper jack. Just make sure they can melt well!
Mayonnaise: This helps keep things creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute — it adds a tangy flavor!
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too, though you might miss that smokiness. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick can be fun!
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly Inside the Bread?
The cheese melting perfectly is key to this dish! The technique involves a couple of steps. First, be sure to cut the bread carefully. Avoid cutting all the way through so the loaf stays intact.
- After you prepare the filling with cheese, make sure to stuff it well into the cuts. Don’t be shy!
- Wrapping the bread in foil keeps it warm and helps melt the cheese without burning the crust. Just remember to open the foil towards the end to get that crispy top.
- Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes, especially the last few minutes. You want that golden color but not too brown!
With these tips, you’ll have a cheesy, gooey, and perfectly pulled-apart bread that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Bloomin’ Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or boule)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: ranch or spicy dipping sauce for serving
Time Needed:
This deliciously cheesy pull apart bread will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun recipe that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make clean-up easy!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your round loaf of bread and carefully make cuts. Slice vertically and horizontally about 1 inch apart, making sure you don’t cut all the way through the bottom. This way, the loaf stays intact for pulling apart later!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Once they look good, take the skillet off the heat.
4. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic mixture with mayonnaise, dried oregano, dried parsley, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and all the shredded cheeses except for the Parmesan. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and creamy!
5. Stuff the Bread:
Take that cheesy mixture and stuff it generously into the cuts of your bread. Make sure to get it into all the little nooks and crannies to ensure every bite is delicious!
6. Add the Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the stuffed bread for an extra cheesy finish.
7. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
8. Get it Crispy:
After 15 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and the top to be golden and crispy—this is the part where the magic happens!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm pull apart bread with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy pulling apart each cheesy piece. Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a crusty loaf like sourdough or boule is ideal for this recipe, you can also use ciabatta or an Italian loaf. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the cheesy filling without falling apart.
How Do I Store Leftover Pull Apart Bread?
Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed bread ahead of time and keep it wrapped in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What Dipping Sauce Goes Best with This Pull Apart Bread?
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce, marinara, or a zesty garlic sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!