Is there anything more comforting than warm, homemade bread fresh out of the oven? Now imagine that bread layered with the sweet, golden flavor of caramelized onions, tangy goat cheese, and the brightness of fresh herbs. This Pull-Apart Bread with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese is pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like it took hours of effort, but in reality, it’s totally doable, even for someone new to baking.
This Pull-apart bread recipe is perfect for game-day snacking, cozy family dinners, or as the star appetizer for your next gathering. I first made this pull-apart bread for a holiday party, and it was an instant hit. It was one of those dishes that had people standing around the table, pulling off piece after piece, their eyes lighting up with every bite. From then on, it became my go-to recipe whenever I wanted to impress guests or treat my family to something special.
What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of textures and flavors. The bread is soft and buttery, the onions are sweet and melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the goat cheese adds just the right tanginess to balance it all. Plus, it’s as fun to eat as it is to make. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Pull-apart bread recipe
First off, this pull-apart bread is beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never worked with yeast dough before, the steps are straightforward, and the results are super rewarding. The dough itself is soft and pliable, making it easy to shape and assemble.
It’s also a flavor bomb. The caramelized onions bring a natural sweetness, the goat cheese adds a creamy tang, and the herbs like chives and parsley provide a fresh, earthy note. The black pepper gives it just a hint of spice, tying everything together beautifully.
This bread is perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a dinner party, or a game-night snack, the pull-apart style makes it communal and fun. People can just tear off a piece and enjoy—no knives or plates required.
And let’s not forget the versatility. You can customize the filling with whatever you like. Crumbled turkey bacon, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or even roasted garlic would make amazing additions.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: About 2.5 hours (including rising time)
Active Prep Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Serves 8-10 as an appetizer or side dish
Ingredients of this Pull-apart bread recipe
The Dough:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot, around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
The Filling:
- 3 medium sweet onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 10 ounces goat cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Assembly and Topping:
- 1½ tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this Pull-apart bread recipe
Preparing the Dough
Start by warming the milk, butter, and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly before whisking in the sour cream, oil, and egg. This creates a rich and slightly sweet base for the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Slowly pour in the milk mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook of a stand mixer. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for about 4-5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the caramelized onions. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and a pinch of salt, then cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for 40-45 minutes. The key here is patience—low and slow cooking will bring out their natural sweetness.
Once the onions are deep golden brown, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly before combining it with the goat cheese, chopped chives, parsley, black pepper, and additional salt if needed.
Assembling the Bread
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 50 small pieces, each about 17 grams. Roll each piece into a ball, then let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
Take one ball at a time and roll it into a small 3-inch circle. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center, then fold the dough into quarters, like a fortune cookie. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—rustic is the vibe here!
Arrange the folded dough pieces in a greased 12-inch round baking dish, starting from the outer edge and working your way inward. You can overlap them slightly for a fuller look.
Baking
Cover the assembled bread and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Brush the top of the bread with egg wash to give it that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden and cooked through.
Once out of the oven, brush the bread with melted butter for an extra layer of flavor. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve this Pull-apart bread recipe
This pull-apart bread is best served warm when the goat cheese is melty and the onions are at their most fragrant. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad for a light lunch.
- Serve it alongside a hearty soup, like tomato basil or creamy mushroom.
- Use it as a stunning centerpiece for your appetizer spread—just add some fresh fruit and veggies on the side.
Tips for Success
- Caramelize the Onions Perfectly: Keep the heat low and be patient. Stir them occasionally to prevent sticking, but let them cook long enough to develop a deep golden color.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dough rest makes it easier to roll out and shape.
- Customize Your Filling: Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or add-ins like roasted garlic or crumbled turkey bacon.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chives and parsley elevate the flavor, so don’t skimp on the herbs.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling separately and assemble the bread just before baking.
Recipe Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra depth.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix some shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the filling for extra gooeyness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute designed for yeast bread.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
You don’t need anything too fancy for this recipe, but a few tools can make the process smoother:
- Stand Mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier.
- 12-Inch Round Baking Dish: Creates the perfect shape for this pull-apart bread.
- Pastry Brush: For evenly brushing on the egg wash and butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
Sure, but homemade caramelized onions have a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.
What if I don’t have goat cheese?
Cream cheese or feta can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
This Pull-Apart Bread with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creation—I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Print
Pull-Apart Bread with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 2.5 hours (includes rising time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, buttery pull-apart bread filled with caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a cozy family treat!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 3 medium sweet onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 oz goat cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Topping:
- 1½ tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Heat milk, butter, and honey until melted. Mix with sour cream, oil, and egg. Combine with dry ingredients (flour, salt, yeast) and knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the filling: Caramelize onions in butter over medium-low heat (40-45 minutes). Stir in garlic and let cool. Combine with goat cheese, herbs, and pepper.
- Assemble the bread: Divide the dough into 50 small pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, add filling, and fold into quarters. Arrange in a greased 12-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Let the bread rise for 30-45 minutes. Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. Brush with butter before serving.
Notes
- Let the bread cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Customize the filling with turkey bacon or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American