1-Getting started with this garlic herb and cheese pull apart is as fun as it is rewarding, with steps designed for home cooks of all levels. Begin by combining the sugar and yeast with warm water, letting it sit until it turns foamy this activates the yeast and sets the foundation for a light, airy dough. Once foamy, mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil to form a dough that’s smooth and ready for kneading, a step that builds texture through simple hand work.

2-Next, knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes or use a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes until it’s tacky but not sticky, adding flour as needed to get it just right. After kneading, cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size, a crucial step that makes the garlic herb and cheese pull apart so fluffy. While the dough rises, prepare the garlic-herb butter by mixing softened butter with parsley, garlic, and a pinch of salt, creating a fragrant spread that infuses every bite.

3-Shaping and Baking the Rings Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts, letting them rest briefly before rolling each into 14 by 8-inch rectangles. Spread each rectangle with 2 tablespoons of the garlic-herb butter, then sprinkle with ½ cup Cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to taste before rolling into logs and sealing the edges. Slice each log into 1-inch pieces, leaving the base intact to keep the sections connected, and arrange them cut side up in greased 8-inch round cake pans to form rings. Brush the tops with the remaining garlic-herb butter and let the rings rest for 15-20 minutes to puff up before baking. Pop them in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and bubbly, then cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan for the perfect serving temperature. For a link to more cheese-focused recipes, check out our delicious lobster mac and cheese for inspiration on creamy cheese dishes. The total time is around 2 hours and 10 minutes, including prep and rising, yielding 12 tasty pull-apart pieces that are sure to impress.