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Best Pumpkin Shaped Pull-Apart Cheese Bread Recipe

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This Best Pumpkin Shaped Pull-Apart Cheese Bread is a showstopper for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving dinners. Soft, fluffy bread loaded with melted cheese in every nook and cranny, shaped like a pumpkin using kitchen twine for a stunning presentation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or rosemary
  • Kitchen twine (100% cotton, unflavored)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F-115°F) with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix on low speed with dough hook until shaggy dough forms (about 2 minutes). Increase to medium and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Place dough in bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size (45-60 minutes).
  4. Prepare cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Toss to distribute evenly.
  5. Shape and fill: Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Sprinkle cheese mixture evenly over surface, leaving a 1-inch border. Starting from the long side, roll tightly into a log, pinching seam to seal. Cut into 8 equal pieces.
  6. Assemble pumpkin shape: Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment. Arrange 8 dough pieces in a circle, cut sides up, touching in the center. Tie kitchen twine around assembled bread 4-5 times, crossing at top and bottom to create sections. Tie loosely enough for expansion.
  7. Second rise: Cover shaped bread loosely with kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake: Brush top with melted butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil for last 10 minutes.
  9. Cool and serve: Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Carefully cut and remove kitchen twine. Pull pieces apart gently. Serve warm.

Notes

Use block cheese and shred yourself for best melting. Don’t skip the second rise. The twine creates ridges that look like a real pumpkin. For gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bread, pull-apart bread, cheese bread, fall recipe, Halloween bread, Thanksgiving bread, savory bread, party bread

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/best-pumpkin-shaped-pull-apart-cheese-bread-recipe/