Garlic and Herb Pull Apart Bread

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 C bread flour

• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 tsp rapid rise yeast

• 1 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp thyme

• 1 1/2 tsp basil divided

• 8 cloves garlic divided

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 C milk heated to 115°F

• 1 C plus 2 Tbsp warm water heated to 115°F

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted and divided

• 6-8 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Add first 5 dry ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer, plus 2 cloves of garlic, minced and 1/2 tsp basil. With mixer on low, add olive oil, milk and warm water. Increase speed as needed, mixing until dough pulls away from the bowl, shape into a smooth ball. Transfer dough to a large greased bowl. Cover and place in a warm location until double in size, at least 1 hour.

2. Roll out dough to a 12x20-inch rectangle. Generously brush with 3 Tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp basil, Parmesan cheese and remaining 6 cloves of garlic, minced.

3. Carefully cut into 6 equal strips. Layering the strips on top of each other. Cut further into 6 equal stacks. You will now have 6 stacks of 6 layers each. Transfer dough squares to a lightly greased 2 10-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely and allow to rise for an additional 30-60 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prior to baking, drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter. Bake for 35 minutes, covering with foil if necessary to prevent over browning.

This makes 2 loaves of bread.