If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser that is as fun to make as it is to eat, the Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Herbed Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine soft, golden bread rolls bursting with a rich, herbed butteriness and topped with nutty, savory Pecorino Romano cheese. This simple yet delicious dish transforms basic frozen rolls into a buttery, cheesy delight with vibrant Italian herbs that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side, this recipe never fails to bring people together and elevate any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and look. With just four essentials, you’re set to make an eye-catching bread that tastes freshly baked but without hours of prep.
- 20 frozen bread rolls: Using frozen rolls saves tons of time and delivers soft, pillowy bread after rising and baking.
- ½ cup unsalted melted butter: This rich base mixes with herbs to coat every roll, adding moisture and buttery goodness.
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that brings depth and a beautiful golden crust; Parmesan works well as a substitute.
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuses the butter with classic Italian flavor.
How to Make Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Herbed Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herbed Butter and Cheese Mixture
Start by whisking together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and half of the Pecorino Romano cheese in a shallow plate. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, coating the rolls with that classic Italian herb and cheese profile that makes this recipe so memorable.
Step 2: Coat the Frozen Bread Rolls
Take each frozen bread roll and roll it around in the herbed butter mixture, making sure every inch is covered. This step ensures each bite is infused with flavor and keeps the bread wonderfully moist during baking.
Step 3: Arrange Rolls in the Skillet
Place the coated rolls in a 12-inch skillet, spacing them out just enough for the dough to rise while still touching. This arrangement helps create that delightful pull-apart effect once baked.
Step 4: Sprinkle Remaining Cheese and Let Rise
Sprinkle the remaining Pecorino Romano cheese over the rolls for an extra cheesy finish. Cover the skillet with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the rolls rise for 1 to 2 hours until they have doubled in size to ensure fluffy, soft bread.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400℉ (about 200℃). Bake the skillet for 20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese crust is crispy. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting to grab a warm, cheesy piece.
How to Serve Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Herbed Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the bread just before serving. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a lovely zing to complement the herby cheese flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs famously with tomato-based dishes like pasta marinara or hearty soups like minestrone. It also works beautifully alongside a fresh green salad or antipasto platter, making it versatile enough for any Italian-themed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, place the skillet right at the center of the table for a communal, hands-on experience. Alternatively, serve it with a variety of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, basil pesto, or even a spicy marinara to encourage everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftover Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This way, the bread maintains its soft, tender crumb without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to preserve your leftovers for longer, freeze the bread in a tightly wrapped foil or freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pull apart bread in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as much as possible to retain the desired texture.
FAQs
Can I use freshly baked bread rolls instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh rolls work great and will give you similar results. Just make sure they’re not too large so they fit comfortably in the skillet and still bake evenly.
What if I don’t have Pecorino Romano cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a perfect substitute and will still give you that sharp, tangy flavor this recipe is known for. You can also try Asiago or Grana Padano cheeses for slight variations.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a good-quality dairy-free butter substitute and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The key is ensuring the herbed butter mixture still has enough fat to coat the rolls well.
How long can I let the rolls rise?
Ideally, the rolls should double in size within 1 to 2 hours depending on your kitchen temperature. If your kitchen is cooler, it might take a bit longer, but be patient for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Herbed Cheese Recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal active time and just a few steps. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious, impressive bread without fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Herbed Cheese Recipe is a joyous discovery for anyone who loves warm, flavorful bread that feels both special and easy. Give it a try next time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen — your friends and family will thank you with every pull-apart, cheesy bite.
Print
Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Herbed Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10
Description
This Italian Skillet Pull Apart Bread is a simple and delicious appetizer made with frozen bread rolls coated in Italian herbed melted butter and Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s perfect for sharing, featuring a crispy, cheesy crust and a soft, fluffy interior baked right in a skillet.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 frozen bread rolls (usually come in a 20-pack)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan cheese can be used as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a shallow plate, whisk together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup of the Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.
- Coat the bread rolls: Take each frozen bread roll and roll it in the herbed butter mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Place the coated rolls into a 12-inch skillet, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for rising.
- Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Pecorino Romano cheese evenly over the arranged rolls in the skillet.
- Let the rolls rise: Cover the skillet with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let the rolls rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until they have doubled in size.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the bread: Bake the skillet of rolls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and crispy.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve the pull apart bread warm for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Using frozen rolls makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted for Pecorino Romano if preferred.
- Make sure the rolls have enough space to rise to ensure fluffiness.
- Covering the skillet during the rise prevents the dough from drying out.
- This bread is best served fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
