Pull Apart Garlic Bread in Cooker - Easy No Oven Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe - CookingShooking
Pull Apart Garlic Bread in Cooker - Easy No Oven Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe - CookingShooking is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by CookingShooking on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 52 min | Cook: 53 min | Total: 4 hrs
Cost: $7.62 total, $1.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted, for the dough)
- 3/4 cup Warm Water (lukewarm (about 40°C))
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast (instant dry yeast)
- 1 tablespoon Milk Powder (adds richness to the dough)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for the dough)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, for the dough)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for brushing the dough before first bake)
- 55 grams Unsalted Butter (for garlic‑butter oil, about 1/4 cup)
- 55 grams Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended, same quantity as butter)
- 1 teaspoon Mixed Herbs (dried; can use oregano + basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
- 15 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Coriander (finely chopped, added to garlic butter and as garnish)
- 100 grams Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or sliced, pizza‑style cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for brushing the bread after first bake)
Instructions
Make the Bread Dough
In a mixing bowl combine warm water, sugar, active dry yeast, milk powder, flour, salt and softened butter. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Time: PT15M
First Proof
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Time: PT1H
Shape and Second Proof
Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 5.5‑inch cake tin. Cover again and let it rise for another 1 hour.
Time: PT15M
Second Proof Rest
Let the shaped dough sit, covered, for an additional 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Preheat the Cooker for First Bake
Add 1 cup of salt to the bottom of the pressure cooker, place a ring stand (or trivet) on top, and heat on high flame for 15 minutes. The salt creates steam for a soft interior.
Time: PT15M
First Bake
Brush the risen loaf with milk, place the cake tin inside the hot cooker, cover loosely and bake for 15 minutes. Open, brush the top with a little butter, then bake another 3 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT18M
Cool and Butter the Bread
Remove the bread from the cooker, brush the entire surface with a tablespoon of butter, then cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Garlic‑Butter Oil
In a small pan melt 55 g butter with 55 g olive oil over medium heat. Add mixed herbs, chili flakes, a pinch of salt and the finely chopped garlic. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off the flame and stir in the chopped parsley or coriander.
Time: PT7M
Slice the Bread
Using a serrated bread knife, make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, but do not cut all the way through. Then make diagonal cuts (about 3/4 depth) to create a lattice pattern.
Time: PT5M
Stuff the Bread
Using a spoon, drizzle the garlic‑butter oil into each cut, ensuring some garlic pieces get into the slits. Fill each opening with shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish with a little extra garlic‑butter oil and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
Time: PT5M
Second Preheat of Cooker
Add fresh salt to the cooker (or reuse the same setup), place the ring stand and heat on high for 10 minutes until very hot.
Time: PT10M
Second Bake (Cheese Melt)
Line the cake tin with buttered parchment paper, place the stuffed loaf inside, cover loosely and bake on medium‑high flame for 7‑8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges turn golden.
Time: PT8M
Finish and Serve
Remove the bread, sprinkle extra fresh coriander, a pinch of chili flakes, and serve warm. Pull apart the sections to enjoy the gooey cheese.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple Syrup
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Fresh Yeast, Bread Machine Yeast
- Instead of Milk Powder: Dry Milk
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Milk: Water
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Mixed Herbs: Oregano, Basil
- Instead of Chili Flakes: Paprika, Cayenne Pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic Paste
- Instead of Fresh Parsley or Coriander: Fresh Basil
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Provolone
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Serrated Bread Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Saucepan or Frying Pan
- 5.5‑inch Cake Tin
- Pressure Cooker (Stovetop)
- Ring Stand (or any metal stand) (optional)
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Clean Kitchen Cloth
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- First proof of the dough (step 2)
- First bake in the pressure cooker (step 6)
- Simmering garlic‑butter oil (step 8)
- Second bake to melt cheese (step 12)
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic‑butter oil.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and a sharp cheese like cheddar for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a softer crust, place a small bowl of water inside the cooker during the first bake to create more steam.
Troubleshooting
Bread did not rise properly.
Check that the water was warm (not hot) and that the yeast is fresh. Give the dough a longer first proof in a slightly warmer spot.
Garlic butter oil looks burnt.
Reduce the flame to medium‑low as soon as the mixture reaches a boil and simmer only 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
Cheese does not melt or pulls apart poorly.
Increase the second bake time by 2‑3 minutes or cover the tin with foil to trap heat, ensuring the cheese fully melts.
Bread crust becomes too hard.
Brush the loaf with butter after the first bake and keep it covered with a damp cloth while it rests.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed the same day; keep covered to prevent drying.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared a day ahead; keep it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before the first bake.
- Garlic‑butter oil can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- Assemble the cuts and add cheese, then cover tightly and refrigerate; give it a final 10‑minute bake before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread in Indian cuisine?
While garlic bread is originally an Italian‑American side, Indian home cooks have embraced it as a festive snack, especially during gatherings and movie nights. The addition of Indian spices like chili flakes and mixed herbs gives it a local twist, making it a popular fusion comfort food in modern Indian households.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic bread in Indian cuisine?
In North India, garlic bread often features butter, garlic, and coriander, while in South India it may include curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a hint of turmeric. Some regions add paneer or grated cheese for extra richness, similar to the cheese pull‑apart version.
How is Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread traditionally served in Indian households?
It is usually served hot, straight from the cooker, sprinkled with fresh coriander and extra chili flakes. It accompanies tea, coffee, or as a starter before a main meal, and is often shared family‑style on a platter.
On what occasions is Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread commonly prepared in Indian culture?
It is a favorite for weekend movie marathons, birthday parties, and casual get‑togethers. The easy, no‑oven method makes it ideal for homes without a conventional oven, especially during monsoon season when indoor cooking is preferred.
How does Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread fit into the broader Indian snack tradition?
Indian snack culture values bold flavors, quick preparation, and shareable dishes. This garlic bread combines those traits with the beloved cheese pull, aligning it with other popular street‑style snacks like pav bhaji and cheese‑filled naan.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, fresh garlic, unsalted butter, olive oil, mixed herbs, mozzarella cheese, and fresh coriander. Substitutes can be whole‑wheat flour for a healthier dough, ghee instead of butter, or any meltable cheese like cheddar or provolone.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread?
It pairs nicely with creamy lentil soups like dal makhani, spiced tomato rasam, or a simple cucumber raita. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside butter chicken or paneer tikka for a fusion plate.
What makes Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread special or unique in Indian cuisine?
The unique aspect is the use of a stovetop pressure cooker to bake bread, eliminating the need for an oven. Combined with Indian‑style garlic‑butter oil and fresh herbs, it creates a distinct, melt‑in‑your‑mouth experience that is both familiar and novel.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread at home?
Common errors include using water that is too hot, which kills the yeast; over‑cooking the garlic butter so it turns bitter; and opening the cooker too frequently, which drops the temperature and prevents proper rise. Follow the timing cues and keep the flame steady for best results.
Why does this Cheese Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread recipe use a pressure cooker instead of a conventional oven?
The pressure cooker creates a hot, steamy environment that mimics an oven’s heat while being accessible to most Indian kitchens that lack a full‑size oven. It also speeds up the baking process and gives the bread a soft interior with a lightly crisp crust.
What does the YouTube channel CookingShooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel CookingShooking focuses on creative, no‑oven home cooking tutorials, especially Indian‑inspired comfort foods, quick snacks, and inventive ways to use everyday kitchen equipment.
How does the YouTube channel CookingShooking's approach to Indian fusion cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
CookingShooking emphasizes using minimal equipment, such as pressure cookers and stovetops, to recreate popular dishes without an oven. The channel blends traditional Indian flavors with global comfort foods, offering step‑by‑step guidance that is both practical and experimental.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








