Description
This Easy Pull Apart Garlic Butter Challah Bread is a delightful and flavorful twist on classic challah, infused with rich garlic herb butter and topped with Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or side, this bread is baked until golden and crispy, making it irresistible for sharing and pulling apart at the table.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, very soft
- 2-3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chili flakes, to taste
Bread and Toppings
- 1 large loaf challah, split in half lengthwise
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino cheese (or more Parmesan)
- Flaky sea salt, to finish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Make the garlic butter: In a bowl, combine the softened salted butter with grated garlic, chopped parsley, chopped sage, garlic powder, and chili flakes to create a flavorful garlic herb butter.
- Prepare the challah: Place the challah on the baking sheet and carefully cut it in half horizontally. Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of both halves, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Sandwich the two halves back together to reform the loaf.
- Slice the loaf: Slice the challah vertically or along the braided bumps to create approximately 1-inch cubes, allowing the butter to infuse the bread deeply.
- Apply remaining butter and bake: Rub the remaining garlic butter all over the entire loaf, ensuring it seeps into the slices. Cover the challah and bake for 8–10 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes until the bread achieves a deep golden color and crispy texture.
- Finish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle the bread with Pecorino cheese and flaky sea salt. Pull apart the cubes and enjoy the warm, buttery, garlicky bread.
Notes
- For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of grated garlic or omit the garlic powder.
- You can substitute fresh sage with rosemary or thyme based on preference.
- Use a sharp Parmesan and Pecorino for the best depth of flavor.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
- Chili flakes can be adjusted or omitted for less heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
