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Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garlic Butter Topping:
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into small equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle.
- Place a generous spoonful of mozzarella and a little Parmesan in the center of each piece. Pinch the edges tightly to seal and form a ball.
- Arrange the filled dough balls seam-side down in a parchment-lined baking tray, placing them close together so they bake into pull-apart bread.
- Mix the melted butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, pepper, and salt. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the dough balls.
- Sprinkle with a little extra mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra golden cheesy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart each cheesy bite and enjoy while warm with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
- Seal each dough ball tightly to keep the cheese from leaking.
- Add cooked pepperoni, bacon, spinach, or jalapeños inside for delicious variations.
- Brush with extra garlic butter immediately after baking for even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy pull-apart bites with warm marinara sauce, creamy ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite pizza dipping sauce. Pair them with soup, salad, or pasta for a complete meal, or enjoy them on their own as an irresistible snack everyone will love.
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