Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. That’s why I absolutely love this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe — it’s soft, cheesy, and loaded with herbs and garlic that make every bite feel like a warm, comforting hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to when you need a crowd-pleaser or just want to treat yourself to some seriously tasty homemade bread.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its simple but complementary ingredients. From the warm milk that activates the yeast to the combination of three cheeses and aromatic herbs, each element plays a crucial part in making the bread flavor-packed and soft.

• Whole milk: Warm it just right to wake up the yeast without killing it.
• Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and active for a good rise.
• Honey: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance savory flavors.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help tenderize the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of this bread—reserve a little extra for dusting!
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming the cheese.
• Shredded cheddar: Sharp and flavorful, it’s the star cheese here.
• Shredded mozzarella: Gives the bread that irresistible melty texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory punch.
• Italian herbs: I usually mix sage, oregano, basil, and thyme—fresh or dried work well.
• Garlic: Freshly grated for the most intense, aromatic flavor.

Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it. I love experimenting with different cheeses and herbs depending on my mood or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make this your own!

• Herbs Swap: Sometimes I swap out Italian herbs for rosemary and chives—offers a fresh spin!
• Cheese Mix: Using spicy pepper jack instead of mozzarella adds a fun kick.
• Garlic Intensity: If you want a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic first before mixing it in.
• Diet-friendly: Try this with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind the texture will differ slightly.

How to Make Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 100-110°F — it should feel like a warm bath but not hot enough to burn. Combine this with yeast and honey in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see that bubbly foam on top—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic! Then, add the eggs, 3 ½ cups of flour, and salt. Mix on medium speed until everything comes together, which usually takes around 4-5 minutes. If the dough’s still sticky, sprinkle in the remaining flour a little at a time until it feels smooth but soft to touch. This dough isn’t meant to be dry, so don’t go overboard.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. It’s so satisfying watching this transformation, and it tells you your yeast is doing all the hard work. If your kitchen is chilly, try putting the dough in a warm spot like near a sunny window or inside an oven with the light on.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Herb Filling

While the dough’s rising, take a bowl and mix together the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped Italian herbs, and grated garlic. This filling is what makes this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe especially irresistible, so don’t skimp here!

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Twist

After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a roughly 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Sprinkle your cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, then pinch the seam to seal in the filling. Next, cut the roll in half lengthwise, leaving one end attached — this step might seem tricky but helps keep everything together.

Flip the two halves so the cheesy sides face up, then cross and twist the strands over each other repeatedly until you’ve created one long twisted rope. Coil this rope into a circle on a parchment-lined sheet pan, cover, and let it rest for another 15 minutes. This little second rise keeps your bread soft and fluffy after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbling. You’ll know it’s done when it smells heavenly and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. Slice it up warm, and trust me—served right out of the oven is when this bread truly shines.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra Parmesan or some fresh chopped parsley on top of the bread right before serving because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. A light brush of melted garlic butter after baking makes it even more dreamy. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good quality olive oil with a pinch of sea salt on the side never hurts!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. I also adore serving it alongside roasted veggies or a charcuterie board with olives and cured meats. Basically, anything simple that lets the bread shine works perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the bread in individual coil “bouquets” on small plates, perfect for gifting or stunning a crowd at brunch. You can also slice it and serve with dips like spinach artichoke or warm marinara. Wrap a slice with prosciutto for an irresistible finger food appetizer—that combo always wins rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread stays soft, and if it feels a bit dry, a quick toast or warming revives it beautifully.

Freezing

Freezing this bread is a lifesaver when you want to save a batch. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming. This way, it keeps most of its fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or toast them lightly. If you want gooey melty cheese again, covering loosely with foil helps keep moisture from escaping. You’ll be surprised at how close it tastes to freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simple ingredients with a little love and patience to create something extraordinary. The first time I baked it, my family went crazy over how soft and flavorful it was, and it quickly became a staple for holidays and weekend gatherings. I truly believe once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for any time you crave comfort food that feels both rustic and indulgent. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!

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