Introduction to Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
As the holidays roll around, I find myself dreaming of cozy gatherings and savory aromas wafting through my kitchen. This Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread is just the ticket! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re entertaining family or enjoying a quiet evening, this recipe effortlessly combines flavors that will impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic solution for busy days—preparing it ahead of time means less stress and more joy when the guests arrive. Trust me, once you make this bread, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
This Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread is a delightful blend of comfort and convenience. It comes together quickly, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. The savory sausage, melty cheddar, and fragrant herbs create a taste that sings. Even the pickiest eaters will be drawn in by its warmth and flavor. Plus, the interactive nature of pulling apart the bread adds a fun, communal touch to your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients for Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
As I gather the ingredients for my Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread, I can already envision the delightful flavors melding together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; be sure to save some for greasing the pan!
- White cheddar cheese: The star of the show; it melts beautifully and adds a savory depth. Feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra bite.
- Sweet Italian sausage: This gives the bread a wholesome, hearty flavor. You can swap it with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Celery: Offers a nice crunch and freshness. If you’re not a fan, try using green bell pepper instead!
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Shallots work well too, if you want something milder.
- Garlic: Because who doesn’t love the aroma of garlic? It’s the heart of flavor in any dish.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the filling and adds a hint of color. Dried parsley can be substituted, though fresh is best!
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the filling; it’s a healthier fat choice that enhances flavors.
- Seasoned stuffing mix: This brings that classic stuffing flavor. You can use homemade stuffing mix or even cornbread mix for a unique twist.
- Water: Helps to moisten the stuffing mix and bind everything together.
- Refrigerated flaky biscuit dough: This is a convenient shortcut that creates delicious, airy layers in your bread.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Don’t worry if you can’t find all the ingredients or wish to tweak them; recipes are often a springboard for creativity! The exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for you to print and reference.
How to Make Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
Creating this Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread is a delightful journey! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll end up with a gorgeous, golden loaf that’ll make your kitchen smell like a holiday dream.
Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and turns golden brown.
Next, grab a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and grease it generously with softened unsalted butter. Trust me, this step is crucial to avoid sticking!
Cook the Filling
Heat a splash of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sweet Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula and let it brown, which should take about 5 minutes.
Now, toss in the finely chopped celery and yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften—that takes about 7 minutes. The aroma will start to fill the air.
Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Your filling is coming together beautifully!
Mix in the Stuffing
Shake the seasoned stuffing mix to redistribute the seasonings, then add it to the skillet along with 120ml of water. Gently stir until everything is well combined and moist, but avoid over-mixing.
Fold in 60g of the shredded white cheddar and 1 tablespoon of parsley for a burst of flavor. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove your skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough
While the filling cools, take your tube of refrigerated flaky biscuit dough. Carefully separate each biscuit in half, so you have 16 pieces.
Spread a mix of softened butter blended with parsley on each piece. For a cheesy surprise, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cheddar on each biscuit piece, then top it with roughly 2 tablespoons of the stuffing mixture.
Press the fillings gently into the dough as you go along—this isn’t soccer, so no kicking!
Assemble the Bread
Now comes the fun part! Form small stacks of 3 to 4 prepared biscuit pieces, gently pressing the layers together.
Arrange these stacks on their sides in your greased loaf pan, making sure they fit snugly. Tuck any loose filling or cheese back into the layers. Don’t forget to dollop the remaining parsley butter on top to enhance the golden crust!
Bake the Bread
Place your loaf pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden color and a puffy appearance—your kitchen will be full of mouthwatering scents!
To check for doneness, poke the bread with a toothpick; it should come out clean without any gooey bits stuck to it.
Cool and Serve
Once your Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread is golden and fluffy, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Run a paring knife around the edge to loosen it, then carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top before serving. Your guests will be delighted as they pull apart the layers of cheesy, savory goodness!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make the process smoother.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary!
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses or fillings for a twist.
- If you have leftover bread, it makes great croutons!
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
- Don’t forget the parsley garnish for a pop of color!
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 5 inch loaf pan: A standard size; a smaller one can work if you adjust baking time.
- Medium skillet: Essential for cooking the sausage and veggies; a large frying pan works too.
- Spatula: Great for breaking up sausage; a wooden spoon is a good substitute.
- Wire rack: Helps cool the bread; a plate can do in a pinch.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For precise ingredient amounts; an estimating eye can suffice if you’re seasoned!
Variations of Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
- Mushroom Medley: Swap out some or all of the sausage for sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy version.
- Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more robust flavor profile.
- Cheesy Variations: Try mixing in different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta for unique melty textures.
- Dried Fruits: Add chopped dried cranberries or apricots to the filling for a sweet contrast to the savory herbs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough and stuffing mix for a deliciously inclusive bread!
Serving Suggestions for Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
- Pair with a crisp green salad: A light salad balances the richness of the bread.
- Serve with homemade gravy: A drizzle of gravy makes it extra comforting.
- Enjoy with apple cider: The sweetness complements the savory flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley adds a beautiful touch.
- Use as a side for holiday roasts: This bread pairs perfectly with turkey or ham!
FAQs about Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
Can I prepare Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the bread a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the freshest flavors!
What kind of biscuit dough should I use?
I recommend using refrigerated flaky biscuit dough, like Pillsbury Grands! It creates airy layers. You can also experiment with other brands or even make your homemade dough if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I customize the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, different cheeses, or even spices to suit your taste. Just remember, the more variety, the more exciting your Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread will be!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a couple of days. Reheat in a warm oven for a delicious, cozy experience!
What can I serve with Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread?
This savory bread pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, hearty soup, or even as a side to your favorite holiday entrée. Think turkey, ham, or beef—each bite will be better with the bread alongside!
Final Thoughts
As I reminisce about the warm, happy moments my Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread has created, I can’t help but smile. There’s something truly special about bringing family and friends together over a loaf of bread oozing with flavor. The ease of preparation means anyone can enjoy this culinary adventure, regardless of their kitchen experience. Plus, witnessing loved ones excitedly pull apart the layers is a joy that brings the spirit of the holidays alive. So, whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this bread is sure to create wonderful memories and delicious moments around the table!
Print
Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Pull-Apart Stuffing Bread that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, combining savory sausage, cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
- 170 g white cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 225 g sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 large celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, divided, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 box (approx. 85 g) seasoned stuffing mix
- 120 ml water
- 1 tube refrigerated flaky biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Original Biscuits)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 175°C. Grease a 23 x 13 cm loaf pan with unsalted butter.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add celery and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, approximately 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Shake the stuffing mix to redistribute seasonings. Add stuffing mix and water to skillet, gently stirring until combined. Fold in 60 g cheddar and 1 tablespoon parsley; season with salt and black pepper. Remove skillet from heat.
- In a small bowl, blend softened butter with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley until evenly mixed.
- Carefully separate each biscuit in half, yielding 16 pieces. Arrange dough halves on a work surface. Spread parsley butter over each piece, then top with 1 tablespoon cheddar cheese and roughly 2 tablespoons stuffing mixture, pressing toppings gently into the dough.
- Form stacks of 3 to 4 prepared biscuit pieces, pressing layers together gently. Arrange stacks on their sides in the prepared loaf pan, fitting them tightly. Tuck any loose filling or cheese back between the layers. Dollop remaining parsley butter on top. Place loaf pan onto a baking tray.
- Bake on the center rack until the bread is golden, puffed, and cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes. Move pan to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes in the pan.
- Run a paring knife around the inside edge to loosen bread, then invert onto a wire rack. Let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
- This bread can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients like mushrooms or different cheeses.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
