Description
This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is a deliciously fluffy and flavorful homemade bread that combines savory cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and aromatic Italian herbs with a touch of garlic. Perfect as a side for dinner or a savory snack, this twisted and coiled pull-apart bread is baked to golden perfection and served warm.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cheese and Herbs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped Italian herbs (such as sage, oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly on top, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Add the eggs, 3 1/2 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough remains sticky, gradually add up to 1/2 cup more flour until the dough feels smooth to the touch.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, chopped Italian herbs, and grated garlic.
- Shape Dough and Add Filling: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 18 inches. Evenly sprinkle the prepared cheese and herb mixture over the dough. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, leaving a small portion at one end intact. Turn the two halves outward to expose the filling, then cross the dough ropes over each other, twisting repeatedly to form a long twisted braid.
- Form the Ring: Coil the twisted dough into a circle and carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, slice, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust flour quantity as needed depending on dough stickiness and humidity.
- The herb mix can be customized to your taste preferences or availability.
- For a crispier crust, brush the bread with melted butter after baking while still warm.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
