Green Chile Cheese with Garlic Butter Pull Apart Loaves

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Green Chile Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (4 oz / 113g) can diced green chiles, drained
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Garlic Butter Glaze:

• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Garnish:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro or green onions

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg.
3. Form Dough: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix shredded cheeses, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pull-Apart Loaf

1. Roll Out Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
2. Cut into Squares: Slice into roughly 2-inch squares (they don’t have to be perfect).
3. Stuff with Cheese & Chiles: Place a small mound of filling in the center of each square, then fold dough over and pinch to seal.
4. Layer in Pan: Arrange stuffed dough balls in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, layering like a puzzle.
5. Second Rise: Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake & Glaze

1. Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
3. Make Garlic Butter: While baking, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
4. Glaze: Brush hot loaf generously with garlic butter.
5. Cool Slightly: Let rest 10 minutes before pulling apart.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	620mg
Total Carbohydrate	40g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	3g
Protein	14g

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Tips & Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Herb Boost: Mix 1 tsp dried oregano into the dough.
• Make Ahead: Prep dough the night before and refrigerate for a slow rise.

This gooey, cheesy, garlicky pull-apart bread is perfect for parties, game day, or a decadent side dish!