Artificial Food Coloring Free Classic Pull Apart Bread

Total time2 hr 40 min

Prep time35 min

Cook time35 min

4.9

(9)

Artificial Food Coloring Free Classic Pull Apart Bread

Few things beat pulling apart a warm, golden loaf at the dinner table and watching everyone reach in at once. This homemade version is built entirely from scratch — real butter, fresh garlic, whole milk, and a handful of pantry staples — so you know exactly what went into every fluffy, herb-scented layer. That matters more than it might seem, because store-bought breads and packaged dough products are surprisingly common sources of synthetic dyes, often hiding in enriched flour blends, seasoning mixes, or even the shiny glazes on finished loaves. Here, the gorgeous deep-golden crust comes purely from the egg wash and a proper bake at 350°F, no color additives needed. The garlic herb butter — minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and optional Parmesan — soaks into every fold during the second rise, so each pull-apart piece is savory, tender, and impossible to stop eating. It's the kind of bread that makes a simple weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion, and it's just as impressive on a holiday table.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

8 servings

For the dough

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 tsp granulated sugar
¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°f (43°c)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the garlic herb butter

4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
2
Add the flour, salt, 2 tbsp sugar, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes. Increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, then add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, waiting until each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue kneading on medium speed for 4–5 minutes more, until the dough is smooth, slightly tacky, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!