This fun pull-apart bread is packed with gooey cheese and flavorful seasoning, perfect for sharing. It looks like a blooming onion but tastes like heaven!
Honestly, tearing off a piece of this cheesy goodness with friends is the best part. It’s great for parties or just a cozy night in! I like to serve it warm for extra yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round sourdough or boule works best for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, a French baguette or ciabatta can also be used—just adjust the cutting method accordingly as they may not hold the shape as nicely.
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for that gooey stretchiness. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor. You can swap out for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick! If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Onions: Red onion provides a nice sharpness. You can replace it with white onion or shallots if needed. For a milder flavor, green onions or chives are great alternatives, especially if you keep it light.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal since you can control the salt. If you want a lighter option, use olive oil or a vegan alternative to keep it dairy-free. You can also try using garlic oil for an extra boost!
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Cutting the bread correctly is key to getting that pull-apart effect. Here’s how to do it neatly:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Let the weight of the knife do the work instead of pressing too hard.
- Cut vertically and horizontally in a 1-inch apart crosshatch pattern, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through the bottom crust.
- Take your time with this step. A steady hand will help keep the shape intact while creating enough gaps for the cheese and seasonings!
Following these tips helps you achieve a beautiful bloomin’ bread that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
How to Make Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Seasoning and Toppings:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll need around 40 minutes total. It’s quick enough for a weeknight snack but impressive for gatherings too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This will help the bread not stick!
2. Cut the Bread:
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bread. Position the loaf so the top is facing you and start making vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, cutting about 3/4 of the way through the loaf. Then, turn the bread and slice horizontally at a 90-degree angle, again about 1 inch apart. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom crust—this keeps the loaf together!
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. This will make your bread extra tasty!
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Gently pull apart the bread cubes, making spaces between them. Drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture into the cracks and on top of the bread, being sure to get it into every nook and cranny.
5. Stuff with Cheese and Onions:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with the chopped red onions, green onions, and parsley or chives into the spaces of the bread. It should look delicious and colorful!
6. Bake the Bread:
Place the stuffed bread on the prepared baking sheet and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes to let it heat through and melt the cheese.
7. Crisp the Bread:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and return the bread to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle a bit of extra chopped herbs on top for a fresh touch. Serve it warm, allowing everyone to pull apart pieces of the gooey, cheesy goodness. Enjoy your delicious Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread!
This savory bread is not just a treat; it’s a fun way to bring people together. Perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough or boule works best for that pull-apart texture, you can also use a French baguette or ciabatta. Just adjust your cuts accordingly, as they may require slight modifications to maintain structure.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Bloomin Onion Pull Apart Bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using plant-based cheeses that melt well and substituting the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil. Enjoy the same delicious cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What Dips Pair Well with This Bread?
This cheesy bread is great on its own, but you can elevate it with some delicious dips! Try a tangy ranch, a zesty marinara, or even a garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost while pulling apart the bread!