This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is a deliciously fluffy and cheesy loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Infused with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, along with a hint of garlic, this bread delivers a delightful combination of savory and cheesy flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side with soup, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own, this bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses melt beautifully inside, creating a soft, gooey interior with a golden crust.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large eggs
- Between 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour (with extra for dusting the surface)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian herbs (such as sage, oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough: In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until well combined. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Continue adding flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Herbs: Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the dough, along with the chopped herbs and grated garlic. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand on a floured surface or with the mixer, until the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it to expel any trapped air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and form it into a loaf or cut it into smaller pieces for rolls. Arrange the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top begins to brown too rapidly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or store for later enjoyment.
Conclusion:
This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread combines the best of savory herbs, melted cheese, and a fluffy bread base. The combination of sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and rich Parmesan makes every bite a cheesy delight, while the fresh herbs and garlic elevate the flavor. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, this bread is a flavorful, comforting addition to any meal.
Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast 1 packet
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large eggs
- Between 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour with extra for dusting the surface
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian herbs such as sage, oregano, basil, and thyme
- 2 cloves garlic grated
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough: In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until well combined. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Continue adding flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Herbs: Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the dough, along with the chopped herbs and grated garlic. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand on a floured surface or with the mixer, until the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it to expel any trapped air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and form it into a loaf or cut it into smaller pieces for rolls. Arrange the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top begins to brown too rapidly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or store for later enjoyment.