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Cozy Pumpkin Shaped Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread Recipe with Herb Butter

pumpkin shaped cheddar pull-apart bread - featured image
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A festive and cozy pull-apart bread shaped like a pumpkin, filled with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, topped with an aromatic herb butter glaze. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 g)
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 240 ml)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz / 225 g)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for herb butter glaze)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Pinch of salt (for herb butter glaze)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika (for herb butter glaze)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 minutes or 5 minutes in mixer until smooth and elastic. Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare filling: Mix shredded cheddar, chopped parsley, and garlic powder in a bowl.
  6. Shape bread: Punch down dough, roll out into 12×18 inch rectangle. Cut into 24 squares (about 3×3 inches).
  7. Layer filling: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Place one dough square in center, brush lightly with herb butter, add a tablespoon of cheddar mixture, then top with another dough square. Repeat stacking, finishing with plain dough square on top.
  8. Form pumpkin shape: Tie kitchen twine around loaf horizontally and vertically to create pumpkin segments. Tie a small knot at top for stem effect.
  9. Second rise: Cover loosely and let dough rise 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove plastic wrap, brush loaf with remaining herb butter, bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  11. Cool and serve: Let bread cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove twine carefully to reveal pumpkin segments. Serve warm, tearing off cheesy pieces and dipping in extra herb butter if desired.

Notes

Use water at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic for best rise. Do not rush the rises for fluffy texture. Tie twine gently to avoid deflating dough. Brush with egg wash for darker crust. Reduce butter by 1 tbsp for less rich dough. Store wrapped tightly to keep bread soft. Reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bread, pull-apart bread, cheddar bread, herb butter, fall recipe, holiday bread, cheesy bread, festive bread

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/cozy-pumpkin-shaped-cheddar-pull-apart-bread-recipe-with-herb-butter-easy-and-delicious/