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
