Description
This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is a warm, flavorful bread packed with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses accented by fragrant Italian herbs and fresh garlic. The dough is soft and tender, enriched with milk, honey, and eggs, then twisted and baked to a golden perfection. Perfect served warm right out of the oven, this savory bread makes a delightful appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- ¾ cup warm whole milk
- 2 ¼ tsp yeast (one packet)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 large eggs
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped Italian herbs (sage, oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the eggs, 3 ½ cups flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix for about 4 to 5 minutes until all flour is incorporated. If the dough is sticky, gradually add up to ½ cup more flour until the dough becomes smooth to the touch.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, chopped Italian herbs, and grated garlic until well mixed.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large 12 x 18 inch rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture over the dough surface. Starting with the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal.
- Twist the dough: Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, leaving a small section uncut at one end. Turn the halves outward to expose the filling and then cross and twist the dough strands together repeatedly to form a long twisted rope.
- Form and rest the loaf: Coil the twisted dough into a circle and carefully transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the loaf and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and aromatic herbs in every bite.
Notes
- Be sure to use warm milk to properly activate the yeast but avoid overheating as it can kill the yeast.
- Adjust flour amount as needed for dough consistency; it should be soft but not overly sticky.
- Use freshly grated parmesan and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite herbs to customize the bread.
- This bread is best served warm; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg