This Gluten-Free Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a warm, shareable appetizer featuring soft, fluffy rolls baked together, brushed with rich garlic butter, and topped with melted cheese, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or family dinners.
Ingredient Notes
Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Choose a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If your blend does not include it, add ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum for proper structure and softness.
Instant Yeast
Make sure your yeast is fresh. The milk should be warm (100–110°F), not hot, or it can kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising.
Eggs
Eggs help provide structure and moisture in gluten-free bread. Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing and a better rise.
Mozzarella Cheese
Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella melts best and gives that stretchy, cheesy pull similar to the image.
Garlic (Fresh vs. Powder)
Fresh garlic gives a bold flavor, while garlic powder enhances and balances it. Using both creates a deeper flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This helps improve texture and rise in gluten-free yeast dough. Do not skip it.
How To Make Gluten-Free Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Activate the Yeast:
Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. This is normal for gluten-free dough.
First Rise:
Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, until slightly puffy.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
Mix melted butter, garlic, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. Set aside.
Shape the Rolls:
Grease a round baking dish or skillet.
Lightly oil your hands and divide the dough into equal portions (about 18–20 balls).
Roll gently into smooth balls and place them close together in the pan.
Add Garlic & Cheese:
Brush rolls generously with garlic butter.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Second Rise:
Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Then bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Finish & Serve:
Brush with extra garlic butter after baking.
Serve warm with marinara sauce in the center for dipping.
🥖 Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Expect a Sticky Dough
Gluten-free dough is softer and stickier than traditional wheat dough. Lightly oil your hands instead of adding extra flour when shaping. - Use a Quality Flour Blend
For the best texture, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum already included. This ensures proper structure and prevents crumbly rolls. - Don’t Skip the Second Rise
Even though gluten-free dough doesn’t rise dramatically, the second rise helps create a lighter, softer texture. - Bake Until Fully Cooked
Gluten-free bread can look done before it actually is. Make sure the tops are golden and the center reaches about 205°F for fully baked rolls. - Cover if Browning Too Fast
If the tops brown quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking. - Serve Warm for Best Texture
Gluten-free bread is softest when warm. Reheat briefly before serving if needed. - Add Extra Flavor
For even more flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan or Italian seasoning on top before baking.
🧀 Variations
- Stuffed Cheese Bombs
Instead of topping with cheese, place a small cube of mozzarella inside each dough ball before shaping. Press the edges tightly closed, then bake until the center is perfectly melty and cheesy. - Herb & Parmesan Version
Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the garlic butter and increase the Parmesan for a more savory, bakery-style flavor. - Spicy Garlic Bread
Stir in ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a gentle touch of heat. - Pizza-Style Pull-Apart
Add mini pepperoni slices between the dough balls and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. - Dairy-Free Option
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free shredded mozzarella. Use a high-quality, meltable brand for best results. - Egg-Free Adaptation
Substitute the eggs with a store-bought egg replacer designed for yeast breads. The crumb may turn out a bit denser, but it will remain tender and soft. - Extra Cheesy Crust
Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan around the edges of the pan for crispy, cheesy sides.
FAQs
Can I make gluten-free pull-apart bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Why is my gluten-free bread dense?
This usually happens if the flour blend lacks xanthan gum or the dough did not rise properly.
Can I freeze gluten-free garlic bread?
Yes, freeze fully baked and cooled rolls for up to 2 months.
More gluten-free recipes to make ASAP!
- Gluten-Free Pita Bread
- Gluten-Free Star Bread
- Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread
- Gluten Free Naan Bread Recipe
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Gluten-Free Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Soft and fluffy gluten-free cheesy garlic pull-apart bread baked with garlic butter and melted cheese. Perfect shareable appetizer served with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ¾ cups gluten-free bread flour or all-purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup warm milk (100–110°F)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Garlic Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. This is normal for gluten-free dough. - First Rise:
Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, until slightly puffy. - Prepare Garlic Butter:
Mix melted butter, garlic, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. Set aside. - Shape the Rolls:
Grease a round baking dish or skillet.
Lightly oil your hands and divide the dough into equal portions (about 18–20 balls).
Roll gently into smooth balls and place them close together in the pan. - Add Garlic & Cheese:
Brush rolls generously with garlic butter.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. - Second Rise:
Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Then bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. - Finish & Serve:
Brush with extra garlic butter after baking.
Serve warm with marinara sauce in the center for dipping.
