Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the butter and mix briefly.

Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Once it becomes too thick to stir, switch to using your hands.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread structure while still keeping it soft.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

This rise builds flavor and creates the airy texture needed for pull-apart bread.

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Preparing the Garlic Butter Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling.

In a small bowl, combine:

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley

Mix well, then set aside. Keep the mozzarella ready for layering later.

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Shaping the Pull-Apart Bread

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.

Try to keep the thickness even so the bread bakes uniformly.

Step 5: Add Garlic Butter and Cheese

Brush the entire surface of the dough with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the dough.

Make sure the cheese reaches the edges—this ensures every pull-apart piece has flavor.

Step 6: Cut and Stack

Cut the dough into equal strips or squares. Stack them loosely and place them upright into a greased loaf pan.

This stacking method creates the signature pull-apart effect once baked.

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Second Rise and Baking

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes. The dough should look puffy but not overflowing.

This second rise ensures the bread stays light and fluffy after baking.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the structure to set while keeping the interior soft.

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