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Cozy Pumpkin-Shaped Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe with Easy Herb Dip

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A warm, soft, and cheesy pull-apart bread shaped like a pumpkin, served with a creamy herb dip. Perfect for cozy fall evenings and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (about 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Black olives or pumpkin stem-shaped breadstick for garnish (optional)
  • Extra parsley or rosemary sprigs for decoration

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C) with 1 tbsp sugar and the yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture. Stir, then add melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough using a stand mixer with dough hook for 5-6 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly oil the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, mix shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped parsley in a bowl and set aside.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 1.5 oz / 45 g each) and roll each into a ball.
  7. Flatten each dough ball slightly, place a teaspoon of cheese mixture in the center, and pinch edges to seal.
  8. Place filled balls close together in a round baking pan forming a tight circle to create the pumpkin shape.
  9. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or towel and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  10. Optional: place a small breadstick or black olive in the center as the pumpkin stem.
  11. Brush dough balls with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  12. While baking, whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the herb dip. Chill until serving.
  13. Let bread cool for 5 minutes before serving with herb dip on the side. Pull apart and enjoy.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Brush dough with melted butter before and after baking for a shiny crust. If bread browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Dough can be prepared the night before after first rise and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin-shaped bread, cheesy pull-apart bread, herb dip, fall recipe, comfort food, easy bread recipe, party appetizer

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/cozy-pumpkin-shaped-cheesy-pull-apart-bread-recipe-with-easy-herb-dip/