If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with melty cheese and aromatic herbs, this Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, pillowy bread pockets filled with gooey mozzarella, perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, then baked to a golden perfection. Paired with a zesty marinara sauce, this dish is an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether it’s for a party appetizer or a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe right comes down to a handful of simple but quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the cheese creating that luscious, melted center to the Italian seasoning adding a fragrant, earthy touch. Let’s break down the essentials that make the magic happen.
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough: This forms the soft, chewy base of the bread, perfect for wrapping around the cheese.
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks: Cutting these into bite-sized pieces ensures every pull reveals that creamy cheese goodness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the bread with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the herbs beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the bread a glossy, golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg to create the perfect wash consistency.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Brushed on top after baking for a rich, luscious sheen.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): Provides a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving): The perfect tangy and herby dip that complements the cheesy bread pockets.
How to Make Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Letting the prepared pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes makes it easier to handle and shape later on.
Step 2: Cut the Cheese and Dough
Next, cut each mozzarella stick into four pieces, giving you 32 deliciously gooey bites. Roll out the dough and slice it into 32 evenly sized squares—this consistency in size is key to ensure even baking and that every piece holds just the right amount of cheese.
Step 3: Season and Shape the Cheese Bread Balls
Place a cube of mozzarella on top of each dough square, then sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to up the flavor game. Fold the edges of the dough toward the center and pinch tightly to seal in all that cheesy goodness. Roll each parcel into smooth balls, making sure they’re well sealed so the cheese stays put during baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Brush
Transfer the dough balls onto your prepared sheet, seam-side down. Arrange them in a festive tree shape with 29 balls, reserving three extras at the side to bake separately—they’re great for snacking on later. Whisk together the egg and water, then brush each ball generously with this mixture for a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
Bake for around 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and you can almost smell the cheese ooze inside. After removing from the oven, brush melted butter over the warm bread and sprinkle it with fresh parsley and grated parmesan. This final touch adds moisture, shine, and that irresistible savory bite.
Step 6: Serve with Marinara Sauce
Serve your Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe immediately alongside a bowl of warm, flavorful marinara. Dipping each cheesy bread ball into this sauce makes every bite extra special and downright addictive.
How to Serve Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley and grated parmesan after baking not only enhances the presentation but also layers in fresh, herbaceous notes and a subtle salty crunch that complement the cheesy bread beautifully. Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty bowl of soup. The cheesy bread delivers enough richness and flavor to stand alone as a snack, but adding fresh, bright sides balances the meal for true comfort dining.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider plating the bread in the shape of a star or wreath and placing the marinara sauce in the center bowl. You could also serve each bread ball individually on appetizer skewers for easy finger food. Personalize it by offering a variety of dipping sauces alongside marinara, like garlic butter or pesto, for guests to enjoy different flavor combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten pull apart cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration isn’t necessary and may dry out the bread, but if you need to keep it longer, freezing is a better option.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked stuffed dough balls arranged on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. This way, you can bake fresh cheesy breadballs anytime without the prep hassle.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese once again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy, preserving that perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its melty stretchiness, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese for a richer bite. Just keep in mind that moisture content affects how the dough cooks.
Is it necessary to use prepared pizza dough?
Using prepared pizza dough is a major time saver and provides the ideal texture for this recipe. However, homemade bread dough or even refrigerated biscuit dough can work well if you prefer to make dough from scratch or have other options on hand.
Can I make the dough balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking?
Yes, assembling in advance is a great way to prep. Cover the shaped dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring them to room temperature before brushing with egg wash and baking.
What kind of marinara sauce works best?
A simple, chunky marinara with fresh tomatoes and herbs complements this bread perfectly. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own from scratch for a personalized touch.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Carefully sealing the dough edges by pinching them firmly and rolling into smooth balls helps keep the cheese enclosed. Avoid overfilling, and if the dough tears, patch it gently with extra dough to prevent leaks.
Final Thoughts
This Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the table. It’s comforting, flavorful, and downright fun to eat, making it an ideal choice for family nights or festive gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy cheesy bread that everyone will adore!
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Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Italian Seasoning and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (32 cheese-filled bites)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Pull Apart Bread features soft, golden-baked dough pockets stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Perfect for sharing, this appetizer is baked to perfection and served warm with marinara sauce for a deliciously cheesy and savory treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Cheese Filling
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow the prepared pizza dough to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Prepare Cheese and Dough Squares: Cut each mozzarella cheese stick into 4 pieces to yield 32 bite-sized pieces. Roll out the dough and cut it into 32 equal squares to encase the cheese.
- Assemble Cheese Balls: Place one mozzarella piece on each dough square. Sprinkle each with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Fold the edges of the dough towards the center, pinch closed to seal, then gently roll each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange Balls and Apply Egg Wash: Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in the shape of a tree with a small trunk at the bottom. You will have around 3 extra balls which can be placed separately on the sheet. Whisk the egg with water and brush the egg wash evenly over each ball to promote browning.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside has melted fully.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Once baked, brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella sticks with fresh mozzarella balls if preferred; adjust size accordingly.
- Ensure dough is at room temperature for easier manipulation and better rising during baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- These can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold dough balls.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
