Herb and Garlic Bubble Loaf

Bubble loaf, pull-apart bread, and monkey bread are all synonyms for the same delicious combination of soft, tender bread and sweet or savory decadent coating. This version will make you think garlic knot in loaf form; it's perfect for sharing with friends.

Prep
20 mins
Bake
30 to 35 mins
Total
2 hrs 50 mins
Yield
1 loaf, about 12 servings
Herb and Garlic Bubble Loaf

Instructions

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  1. To make the dough: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Combine all of the ingredients, and mix and knead — by hand, stand mixer, or bread machine set on the dough cycle — to make a soft, smooth dough.

  2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and allow it to rise for 60 to 90 minutes, until it's just about doubled in bulk.

  3. Gently deflate the dough, and transfer it to a lightly greased work surface.

  4. Divide the dough into 32 pieces by dividing in half, then in halves again, etc. Don't worry about making them exactly even or shaping them into balls.

  5. Pour a generous layer of olive oil into the bottom of a 10" monkey bread pan or tube pan.

  6. To make the coating: Combine the butter, seasoning, and garlic.

  7. To assemble the loaf: Dip each ball of dough into the coating mixture, then place in the pan in a single layer; you'll need to squeeze them in.

  8. Cover the pan, and allow the dough to rise until quite puffy, about 60 to 90 minutes. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.

  9. Uncover the pan. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, until its surface is golden brown, and a digital thermometer inserted into the middle of the loaf registers 190°F.

  10. Remove the bread from the oven, and turn it out of the pan onto a rack. Serve warm.

Tips from our Bakers

  • If you don't have a monkey bread or tube pan, a 9" round casserole dish or a 9" x 2" cake pan will work well, also.