Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect, soft, and insanely flavorful bread, you’re going to adore this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how this bread combines rich cheddar and melty mozzarella with fragrant herbs and just the right hint of garlic, all wrapped in a cozy, tender loaf. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite, perfect just warm from the oven or alongside soups and salads. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get this bread right every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that getting fresh herbs and real good-quality cheeses really elevates this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe. Plus, warm milk helps give the dough that soft crumb everyone raves about. Let’s break down what you’ll want to get your hands on.

• Whole Milk: Make sure it’s warm (not hot!) to activate yeast perfectly for a good rise.
• Yeast: I usually use active dry yeast; fresh yeast works too if you have it.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory cheese and garlic beautifully.
• Eggs: They enrich the dough, making it nice and tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your dough; you’ll add a bit more as you knead if needed.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for flavor balance—don’t skimp here.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, depending on your preference; I like a sharp cheddar for extra tang.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy texture—perfect melty goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that umami kick.
• Italian Herbs: Sage, oregano, basil, thyme—fresh is best, but dried can work if you adjust amounts.
• Garlic: Freshly grated for the best punch of flavor—garlic powder just isn’t the same here.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own with just a few tweaks. I like to experiment depending on what I have in the fridge or what we’re craving that day!

• Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap out the Italian herb mix for fresh rosemary and thyme, which gives a woodsy aroma that my family loves.
• Cheese Swaps: If you’re short on cheddar, try adding Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different twist on melty, cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese-herb mixture if you want a little heat—it’s surprisingly addictive!
• Whole Wheat Version: For a heartier loaf, I sometimes replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour; just keep an eye on the dough moisture because it may need a touch more liquid.

How to Make Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast and Make the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about body temperature—if it’s too hot, it’ll kill the yeast, and if too cold, the yeast won’t activate well. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk with the honey and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes; you want to see a bubbly foam on top, which means your yeast is alive and well. Then add the eggs, flour (start with 3 1/2 cups), and salt into the mixer bowl. Using a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, mix until the dough comes together and feels smooth—not sticky. If it’s still sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time. This dough is pretty forgiving, but you want it soft to the touch.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it sit in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about 1 hour. I often place mine near a sunny window or on top of the oven after I’ve preheated it slightly then turned it off. That gentle warmth helps the yeast do its magic perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese and Herb Filling

While the dough is rising, combine your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan, chopped herbs, and grated garlic in a bowl. This mix is the star of the show and smells incredible—don’t be tempted to skip the fresh garlic here, it’s what makes that bread irresistible.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Twist the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it onto a floured surface into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the surface. Then start rolling it tightly from the long edge closest to you into a log. Pinch the edges closed to seal in all those cheese and herb flavors—this step always makes me feel like a pro baker!

Use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthwise, but leave a small section intact to keep the two halves together at the end. Then twist the cut ropes over each other, exposing the cheesy layers, and coil the twisted dough into a circle. Carefully transfer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rest for another 15 minutes—it’ll puff up just a bit more before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside. I always watch closely during the last 10 minutes—if it ever looks like it’s browning too quickly, tent it with foil. When it’s done, let it cool just enough to slice, but honestly, it’s best enjoyed warm and fresh.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra grated parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and an extra touch of flavor that makes every bite feel special. A light brush of melted butter right after baking also amps up the richness and gives that perfect shiny finish.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or a hearty green salad. When we have it for dinner, I often serve it with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a simple steamed vegetable for a comforting meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve twisted smaller portions of the bread into mini wreaths and brushed them with garlic butter—guests love pulling apart the cheesy strands. Another fun idea is to serve it with a variety of flavored butters like herb or sun-dried tomato butter for an interactive tasting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread keeps well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to keep it on the counter rather than refrigerating, which can dry it out quickly.

Freezing

I often freeze the bread after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it well in foil and place in a freezer bag. When I want to thaw, I let it sit at room temp for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, then warm it briefly in the oven to bring back that freshly baked softness.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and the cheese feels melty again. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to make the bread chewy—oven warming is hands down better for texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those special finds that I can always count on to impress without any stress. It’s warm, cheesy, and herb-packed comforts all in one—perfect for sharing or keeping as a cozy treat. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and hear how much your family goes crazy for it, just like mine does. Trust me, once you bake it, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen too!

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