Nana’s Pull-Apart Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Servings: 15
Yield: 1 loaf
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 reviews)
Description
Nana’s Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful, soft, and buttery bread that brings comfort and joy, especially during holiday dinners. This recipe is so simple to prepare, and the dough comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings. The light, fluffy squares of bread melt in your mouth, and it’s impossible not to enjoy at least one extra piece. With minimal ingredients and just a little patience, you’ll have a warm, delicious loaf ready to be enjoyed by all. Watch as your loved ones argue over who gets the most pull-apart pieces—this bread is always a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 239.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 13.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 8.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 34.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 251 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 26.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.9 g |
| Sugar Content | 3.4 g |
| Protein Content | 3.9 g |
Instructions
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Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter and set aside to cool slightly. Add it to 1 cup of warm milk. Stir to combine and set aside.
-
Activate the Yeast: Stir 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dry yeast into the milk-butter mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the yeast becomes bubbly and foamy.
-
Prepare the Flour: In a large mixing bowl, add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Make a well in the center of the flour.
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Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the well of the flour. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
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Let the Dough Rise: Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
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Roll the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
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Cut and Butter: Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Melt the remaining butter and dip each square into the melted butter.
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Layer the Squares: In a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan, layer the butter-dipped squares. Make sure they are stacked neatly but not packed too tightly. The dough will rise and fill in the gaps as it bakes.
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Final Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Pull apart the squares and enjoy the fluffy, buttery goodness.
Tips & Variations
- Flavors: For a slightly different flavor, try adding a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or even fresh herbs to the dough before baking.
- Make-Ahead: This bread can be prepared the night before and allowed to rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out and let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread for up to a month. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven before serving.
This pull-apart bread is the perfect accompaniment to any meal—whether it’s a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight family gathering. Its easy preparation and irresistible flavor will ensure that Nana’s Pull-Apart Bread becomes a cherished favorite in your home too!
