This soft and fluffy sesame pull-apart bread is a beautiful homemade loaf that looks impressive on the table and tastes even better. With its golden crust, pillowy interior, and rich buttery aroma, it’s perfect for family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or as a warm side for any meal. The bread pulls apart easily thanks to its unique shaping method, making it fun to serve and incredibly satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg yolk for brushing
• Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly. Add the warm milk, egg, melted butter, and oil. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This rise helps develop the bread’s soft texture and airy structure.
Shape the Bread
Punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into small equal pieces, about the size of a walnut. Shape each piece into a smooth ball using the palm of your hand. Dip each dough ball lightly in melted butter, then arrange them in a greased round baking pan in a circular pattern.
Second Rise
Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. During this time, the dough balls will puff up and fill the pan, creating the pull-apart effect once baked.
Add Glaze and Sesame
Brush the risen dough gently with egg yolk to give the bread a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for flavor and crunch.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue baking.
Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The pull-apart texture makes it easy for everyone to grab a soft, warm piece without cutting. Serve it with butter, jam, honey, or alongside soups and stews.
Tips for Best Results
• Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Knead long enough for the dough to become smooth—this guarantees a soft crumb.
• Allow enough time for both rises; rushing the dough reduces fluffiness.
• Sesame seeds can be swapped for nigella seeds or left plain depending on preference.
• Leftovers can be reheated for a few seconds in the microwave to restore softness.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. To reheat, warm in the oven for a few minutes until soft and fragrant again.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe uses a combination of warm milk, butter, and egg to create an enriched dough that bakes into a soft, tender loaf. The shaping technique boosts the bread’s appearance while making it easy to share. The sesame topping adds aroma and texture, making the bread suitable for both sweet and savory uses.