Description
This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is a flavorful, cheesy twist on classic homemade bread. Infused with Italian herbs and a trio of cheeses including cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, this bread is soft, aromatic, and perfect for serving warm as a snack or alongside meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cheese and Herb Filling
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped Italian herbs (sage, oregano, basil, thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm whole milk, yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: Add the eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated. If the dough remains sticky, gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup flour or more, kneading until the dough is smooth to the touch.
- First rise: Cover the dough bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare filling: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, chopped Italian herbs, and grated garlic, mixing well to evenly disperse the flavors.
- Shape dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12 by 18 inch large rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture over the dough.
- Roll and twist: Starting from the long edge nearest you, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam tightly to seal it. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, leaving one end intact to keep both halves connected. Turn the halves outward to expose the cheese filling and then twist the two strands together repeatedly to form a twisted rope.
- Form and second rise: Coil the twisted dough into a circular shape and transfer it carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the bread for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Serve the bread warm to fully enjoy the melted cheese and aromatic herbs.
- You can substitute Italian herbs with dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are unavailable.
- If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands and the working surface with additional flour when rolling and shaping.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a flavorful snack on its own.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
