step 1
On a lightly floured surface, roll the Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheets (2) into a 12-inch square. If needed, add more flour to prevent sticking.
step 2
Sprinkle half of the Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup) and about 2/3 of Fresh Chives (1/2 cup) evenly over the dough, paying attention to the right and left ends of the dough.
step 3
Starting from the base end, roll the dough into a loose roll. Then, gently roll it out again into a 16x6-inch rectangle.
step 4
Use a bench cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into 24 equal square pieces (arranged in an 8x3 grid).
step 5
Working with a piece of dough at a time, gather all the corners and pinch together to form a teardrop shape. Place seam side down on the work surface. Cup your hand over the dough and drag it across the surface, moving your hand in a rapid circular motion, to form dough into a tight ball. Do not add flour, as friction is needed between the dough surface and the counter. Place the dough into a sheet pan covered with a wet cloth. Repeat the process for all the dough pieces.
step 6
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the Unsalted Butter (1/3 cup). Stir in the Garlic (2 cloves), Dijon Mustard (1 tsp), Salt (1/2 tsp), and Simply Organic Black Pepper, Medium Grind (1/4 tsp) to make the garlic butter.
step 7
With a pastry brush, brush the bottom of an 11-inch cast iron skillet with ⅓ of the garlic butter mixture to form a non-stick coating.
step 8
Place the dough balls seam-side down in a circular pattern in the skillet.
step 9
Cover the pan loosely with foil and place in the oven setting it to proof at 100 degrees F (37 degrees C) for 20~30 minutes or until the dough balls have doubled in size.
step 10
Brush the second 1/3 of the garlic butter over the dough balls, trying to get all the garlic pieces onto the surface. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup) and Simply Organic Black Pepper, Medium Grind (1 tsp) on top.
step 11
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
step 12
Bake for 25 minutes.
step 13
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
step 14
Once done, take the pull-apart bread out of the oven and let it cool slightly on a cooling rack.
step 15
Garnish the bread with the remaining ⅓ of garlic butter, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of Sea Salt Flakes (to taste).
step 16
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish at your next meal.
