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Quick Pumpkin Pull-Apart Cheese Bread: Easy Fall Appetizer

pumpkin pull-apart cheese bread - featured image

This quick pumpkin-shaped pull-apart cheese bread is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something that feels special. It’s fun, fast, and perfect for weeknights or fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (e.g., Pillsbury Grands)
  • 6–8 sticks string cheese (mozzarella), cut into thirds
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large sage leaf or small rosemary sprig (for stem)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut each string cheese stick into thirds (about 1½ inches long). Set aside.
  3. Open the biscuit can and separate all 8 biscuits. Gently flatten each into a 3-inch round using your fingers.
  4. Place one piece of string cheese in the center of each flattened biscuit. Pull edges up and around the cheese, pinching seams to seal completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
  5. Arrange the 8 cheese-filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a circle, leaving a small gap in the center. They should touch slightly.
  6. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  7. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops and sides of all dough balls. Reserve about 1 tablespoon for after baking.
  8. Place the sage leaf or rosemary sprig in the center of the dough ring to resemble a pumpkin stem. Press gently.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Brush with reserved garlic butter. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan and smoked paprika. Serve warm, pulling apart into individual pieces.

Notes

Don’t overwork the dough; handle gently for fluffier bread. Seal seams well to prevent cheese leakage. Space dough balls about ¼ inch apart so they merge without becoming a blob. Brush with garlic butter before and after baking for best flavor. Serve within 10 minutes for optimal cheese pull. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheese bread, pull-apart bread, fall appetizer, easy cheese bread, quick appetizer, football snack, Thanksgiving appetizer