Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

If there’s one recipe that always gathers happy faces at my table, it’s this Garlic Herb Cheese Bread. Imagine a pillowy interior, generous pockets of gooey cheese, and a swirl of fresh herbs gently perfumed by garlic—each slice is pure comfort. Whether you serve it beside a saucy pasta, set it out as a party star, or steal a piece for yourself, Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is simply irresistible and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Herb Cheese Bread comes from simple, honest ingredients that each serve a delicious purpose. These staples create the perfect texture—fluffy, cheesy, herb-scented—and a golden crust you’ll adore.

• 3/4 cup warm milk: Adds softness and tenderness to your dough, ensuring a moist crumb every time.
• 2 1/4 tsp yeast: This kickstarts the rise, giving your bread a gorgeous lift and airy texture.
• 2 TBSP honey: A touch of sweetness keeps the bread balanced and helps feed the yeast for a fluffy loaf.
• 3 eggs: Eggs provide richness, structure, and a golden tint to your bread’s interior.
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups flour: The main body of your bread, allowing for adjustability depending on dough stickiness.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances every layer of flavor and balances the cheeses and herbs.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Bold, meltable cheddar gives cheesy pulls and savory flavor.
• 1 cup shredded or cubed mozzarella: Adds melty, creamy pockets you look forward to in every bite.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Elevates the whole loaf with a salty, nutty finish.
• 1/3 cup chopped Italian fresh herbs (sage, oregano, basil, and thyme): These bring aromatic freshness and lively color to each swirl.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): The star of the show! Garlic infuses every bite with its unmistakable, comforting aroma.

How to Make Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and honey in your mixing bowl. Let this rest for about five minutes—you’ll soon see bubbles forming on top, letting you know the yeast is alive and ready to do its thing. This step ensures your Garlic Herb Cheese Bread will rise beautifully and have that perfect lightness.

Step 2: Make the Dough

To the frothy yeast mixture, add your eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and salt. Use a dough hook if you have one, or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease if you don’t, and mix until everything is just combined. If the dough feels sticky, add a touch more flour a spoonful at a time—it should be smooth and easy to touch when it’s ready.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough sit out at room temperature for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This quiet resting time lets the flavors deepen and ensures your bread will have that signature soft, fluffy bite when baked.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese and Herb Filling

While the dough is rising, grab a separate bowl and toss together all the cheeses, the chopped herbs, and the minced garlic. This medley is the heart and soul of Garlic Herb Cheese Bread, blending creamy, melty, and aromatic goodness for every slice. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a big rectangle about 12×18 inches. Sprinkle your herby, cheesy mixture evenly across the entire surface. Starting on the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, sealing in all that flavor.

Step 6: Twist and Coil

With a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to reveal gorgeous layers of cheese and herbs. Turn the cut sides outward and crisscross the two halves together—this creates that beautiful, rustic twist. Next, gently coil the twisted dough into a circle and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Final Proof and Baking

Cover the shaped bread and let it rest one more time for 15 minutes while your oven preheats to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until your kitchen smells like a bakery and the Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is deeply golden and bubbling with cheese. Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can wait!)

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Garlic Herb Cheese Bread, a simple brush of melted butter or olive oil while it’s hot does wonders. Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh herbs or a handful of grated parmesan on top for added aroma and a pretty finish—it makes every slice feel extra special! If you’re a garlic lover, a gentle rub of a cut garlic clove across the crust is the ultimate upgrade.

Side Dishes

This bread is the perfect partner to all things saucy: spoon it alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or a rich tomato soup. It’s also a fantastic centerpiece for a smaller dinner, matched with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re throwing a party, a basket of Garlic Herb Cheese Bread will disappear faster than anything else on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to play with the presentation! Try baking it in a ring or braid shape for a festive touch, or slice and fan it out on a large board with dipping sauces like marinara or whipped ricotta. Garlic Herb Cheese Bread also makes fabulous sliders for mini sandwiches or can be sliced thin for a cheesy crostini base topped with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (a rare occasion!), wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, though for best freshness, store it in the refrigerator. This keeps the cheese safe and the bread from drying out.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap any cooled, unsliced Garlic Herb Cheese Bread in a double layer of plastic wrap and then foil, and pop it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to a month. To thaw, leave it on the counter or gently warm in the oven for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in a 350-degree oven, wrapped loosely in foil, for about 10 minutes. This brings back that irresistible softness and helps the cheese remelt perfectly. For a quick fix, you can microwave individual pieces for 20 seconds, though the oven is always my go-to for reviving that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! While fresh herbs bring brightness and color, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Substitute with about one-third the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. Your Garlic Herb Cheese Bread will still pack plenty of flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just let it come back to room temperature before shaping and baking as directed. It’s a great way to break up the steps for a busy day.

What’s the best way to keep the bread soft?

Be sure not to overbake and always wrap any leftovers well to keep moisture in. If your kitchen is particularly dry, keeping the bread in an airtight container will help maintain that wonderfully soft crumb.

Can I use a different cheese blend?

Feel free to get creative! Mix in gouda, fontina, or even a sharp provolone if you’d like. The only rule is to use cheeses that melt well—this guarantees the oozy, irresistible core that makes Garlic Herb Cheese Bread a showstopper.

How can I make this bread more garlicky?

Add another clove or two of minced garlic to your cheese filling, or stir a little garlic powder into the dough itself. For garlic super-fans, brush the finished bread with garlic butter right after it comes out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

Bake this Garlic Herb Cheese Bread just once, and you’ll see why it easily wins hearts at any table. It’s that irresistible combination of warm bread, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs—simple enough for weeknights, stunning enough for special occasions. Give it a try and let this cheesy, garlicky marvel be the highlight of your next meal!

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