Yeast Breads: Basic Pull Apart Loaf

Most of the time, you have to slice loaves of bread to eat them. But if you don't want to slice, and you don't want the trouble of making buns, you can easily make a pull apart loaf. Sometimes called a bubble loaf, these are designed to allow people to pull off one small section at a time. This loaf is just a basic version, but you can get creative with Italian, cinnamon, or even raisin pull part loaves.


Ingredients


1 recipe for Basic White Bread
4 tbsp melted butter (do not use margarine)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)


Preparation


Prepare the white bread according to recipe directions until after the first rise. At this point, you should divide the dough into 32 small portions. Roll each portion into a small ball. Spray a bread pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.


Place 8 or 10 of the balls into the pan, lining the bottom of the pan. Brush with some of the melted butter. Place 8 or 10 more of the balls into the pan, arranging them at random on top of the first layer. Brush with butter. Repeat until you've used all the dough. Brush the top of the loaf with butter. Top with sesame seeds, if desired.


Set the loaf aside in a warm location and allow it to rise until it has doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Heat oven to 375°F. Bake loaf for 25 to 30 minutes, until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool at least 20 minutes before pulling off the first bubble.


Serve with butter or jam for a delicious brunch.