Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Photo Credit: http://www.pastryaffair.com

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Original Recipe: http://www.pastryaffair.com/blog/2011/6/10/garlic-parmesan-pull-apart-bread.html

Ingredients:
Yields 1 loaf

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/3 cups barely warm water
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose (or bread) flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yeast and water. Let sit 5 minutes until yeast is foamy. Mix in the olive oil, salt, and flour. If you have a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead the dough for 5-6 minutes, or until elastic. If you are doing this by hand, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until dough is elastic, 7-10 minutes. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until dough is doubled in size.
2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, parsley flakes, and minced garlic. Set aside.
3. Punch down the dough. Tear off small pieces of dough (roughly the size of the bowl of a medium spoon), coat in the butter mixture, and place in the bottom of a bundt pan. Repeat this process until you have one layer of dough balls. Sprinkle on 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Continue layering the dough balls and cheese until you have 3 layers. Cover the pan with a clean towel and allow to sit until dough has doubled in size, 20-30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bread is golden brown. Serve hot with a side of marinara or tomato sauce.