When you want a centerpiece dish that brings people together around the table, Cheesy Stuffed Pull-Apart Bread Ring is an absolute showstopper. Soft, buttery, golden dough baked in a continuous ring and loaded with pockets of gooey, melted cheese and savory garlic-herb butter makes every bite pure comfort.
Here is a foolproof recipe for creating this gorgeous, crowd-pleasing bread ring at home.
Cheesy Stuffed Pull-Apart Bread Ring
Ingredients
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1 lb pizza dough or enriched bread dough: (Store-bought refrigerated dough or homemade yeast dough, divided into small pieces).
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2 cups mozzarella cheese: Cut into small, 1/2-inch cubes (low-moisture mozzarella works best so it doesn’t release too much water).
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½ cup cheddar or provolone cheese: Diced small (optional, for added flavor depth).
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Melted.
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3 cloves garlic: Minced.
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2 tbsp fresh parsley: Finely chopped.
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano.
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½ tsp kosher salt.
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top before baking.
Instructions
1.Prep the Dough and Cheese:Prepare dough balls and cut cheese into uniform cubes.
If using fresh dough, divide it into 24 to 30 equal golf-ball-sized portions (about 1 oz each). Cut your mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into small 1/2-inch cubes that will easily fit inside the dough pockets.
2.Stuff the Dough Balls:Wrap dough securely around cheese cubes.
Flatten each piece of dough into a small disk in your palm. Place a cube of cheese right in the center. Pull the edges of the dough up and around the cheese, pinching the seams tightly to seal it completely so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
3.Mix the Garlic-Herb Butter:Whisk melted butter with garlic, herbs, and salt.
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt.
4.Assemble the Ring:Dip stuffed balls in butter and arrange in a ring.
Lightly grease a round baking pan or cast-iron skillet. Dip each stuffed dough ball into the garlic-herb butter mixture, letting excess drip off, and arrange them side-by-side in a circular ring, overlapping slightly to form a continuous wreath.
5.Brush and Top:Brush remaining butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Brush any remaining garlic butter generously over the top of the assembled bread ring. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt evenly across the surface.
6.Final Rise (If Applicable):Cover and let rise until puffy (if using yeast dough).
If using a fresh yeast dough, cover the ring with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. (Skip this step if using pre-proofed refrigerated dough).
7.Bake to Perfection:Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and bubbly.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
How to Serve It
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Pull Apart and Enjoy: Simply set the warm baking dish in the center of the table and let guests pull apart individual, cheese-stuffed rolls.
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With Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside a warm bowl of Homemade Tomato Sauce for dipping each cheesy piece.
