There’s something magical about the scent of Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread baking in the oven. It’s warm, it’s nostalgic, and it brings people together, especially when the leaves start to turn and the evenings get shorter. For me, this recipe is more than just comfort food. It’s a bridge between old-world Italian tradition and my new gluten-free life in the U.S.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now based in the States, and this is GoldenGlutenFree.com, my kitchen sanctuary for gluten-free recipes rooted in Italian flavor and love. Years ago, I trained in Florence making focaccia, pane Toscano, and garlic bread the classic way. But when I learned that gluten was the cause of my chronic fatigue, everything changed. I didn’t just lose energy, I lost my bread.
That’s why this Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread means so much. I recreated it to bring back that garlicky joy without the side effects. It’s golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and every bite is packed with herby, savory flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to make, even first-time bakers can pull it off.
Whether you’re serving it with gluten-free lasagna soup or adding it to a comforting casserole night, this bread is about to become your go-to.
Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread: Irresistibly Savory & Soft
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- spatula
- Loaf pan or round baking dish
- Small saucepan (optional, for herb oil)
- oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (or almond or oat milk)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan or dairy-free cheese (optional)
- crushed red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, warm milk, and olive oil. Gradually mix the wet into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
- In a small pan or bowl, combine olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, oregano, and salt. Heat gently for 1–2 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Form golf ball-sized dough pieces and roll gently. Dip each into the garlic herb mixture and layer in a greased loaf pan or round baking dish. Leave space between pieces for rising.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before serving to allow easier pull-apart texture and preserve the crust.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients: Simple and Gluten-Free
The ingredients for Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread are pantry-friendly and flexible for various dietary needs. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the dough:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (or almond or oat milk)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the garlic herb butter:
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- ½ tsp oregano
- Pinch of salt
Optional:
- ¼ cup grated parmesan or dairy-free cheese
- Crushed chili flakes for a spicy twist
Craving more savory sides? Try my gluten-free biscuits for another fluffy, bready treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Foolproof!)
1. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, warm milk, and olive oil. Gradually mix the wet into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If it feels sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.
Let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps hydrate the flour and makes it easier to work with.
2. Mix the garlic herb butter
In a small pan or bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt. Gently heat for 1–2 minutes if you want to infuse the oil more deeply.
3. Shape and coat the dough
Pinch off small dough balls (golf ball size) and roll gently between your palms. Dip each into the garlic herb mixture, then place in a greased loaf pan or 8-inch round baking dish. Continue layering until all dough is used.
TIP: Don’t overpack, leave some space for the dough to rise and bake evenly.
4. Bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This makes the pieces easier to pull apart and preserves that lovely crust.
Want to serve it with a cozy fall dip? Try my pumpkin hummus with gluten-free pita chips.
Tips for Success
Measure accurately: Especially with gluten-free flours, precision matters. Spoon and level your flour for best results.
Warm, not hot milk: Too hot will cook the eggs; too cold won’t activate the baking powder properly.
Use fresh herbs: While dried can work, fresh herbs add incredible aroma and brightness.
Even spacing: Whether you use a loaf pan or round pan, don’t overfill. Room to expand = soft, fluffy pull-apart texture.
Baking gluten-free can be tricky, but I promise this recipe is as reliable as my no-knead gluten-free bread, and even more flavorful.
Delicious Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread, here are some twists to try:
1. Dairy-free & Vegan-friendly
- Swap eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)
- Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor
2. Cheesy twist
Add mozzarella or your favorite cheese between dough layers for a melty, gooey middle. Want more cheesy inspiration? Try my gluten-free mozzarella sticks.
3. Spicy herb pull-apart
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for a gentle kick.
4. Mini pull-apart muffins
Divide dough into a muffin tin to make individual pull-apart rolls. This version is perfect for brunch or kid-friendly sides, much like my mini gluten-free vegan apple muffins.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
To store:
Wrap leftover bread in foil or an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration may dry it out, so reheat gently in a warm oven before serving.
To freeze:
Once cooled, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes.
To make ahead:
Assemble the dough balls in the pan and refrigerate (covered) overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
If you love bread that keeps well, don’t miss my gluten-free banana bread recipe, another freezer-friendly classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread without eggs?
Yes! Use two flax eggs or an egg replacer. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.
2. Can I use a different flour blend?
Absolutely, as long as it contains xanthan gum or guar gum. Blends without it may need adjustments.
3. How do I make this bread crispier?
Bake a few minutes longer, or broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
4. Can I make it in a bundt pan?
Yes! A small bundt pan creates a beautiful centerpiece. Just reduce the size of each dough ball slightly for better spacing.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten Free Herb Garlic Pull Apart Bread is more than a recipe, it’s a piece of my story and a warm welcome to your kitchen. It brings together all the things I love: tradition, flavor, and community. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a chilly evening or enjoying leftovers with soup the next day, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Ready to bake? Grab those herbs and let’s bring some Tuscan charm to your table.
Also check out my gluten-free naan bread for another flatbread twist, or browse my cottage cheese bread recipe if you’re into high-protein options.