Dive into the delightful world of homemade bread with this Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread recipe. It’s a savory loaf that perfectly combines the comfort of soft, pillowy bread with the bold flavors of garlic, herbs, and a trio of cheeses. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread for the first time, this recipe is designed to guide you through each step with ease, resulting in a mouthwatering loaf that’s sure to impress at any table.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk – the perfect temperature to activate your yeast.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast – the key to a beautiful rise.
- 2 tablespoons honey – for a touch of sweetness and to help feed the yeast.
- 3 large eggs – adds richness and structure to your bread.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour – the base of your dough, plus more for rolling.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – adds stretch and mild flavor.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – for a sharp, nutty taste.
- 1/3 cup chopped Italian herbs (sage, oregano, basil, thyme) – a blend that brings the dough to life.
- 2 cloves garlic, grated – for a subtle kick and aroma.
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot or it will kill the yeast), yeast, and honey. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs to the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour and kosher salt to the mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form. It should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Add Cheeses and Herbs: Gently deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle. Mix the shredded cheeses, grated garlic, and chopped herbs together, and spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the Loaf: Starting with one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal. Place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 45 minutes to an hour, until it’s puffed up and fills the pan nicely.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the loaf has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread warm, with its crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior packed with melty cheese and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect on its own, as a side to your favorite dishes, or even for making extraordinary sandwiches. The satisfaction of baking this bread from scratch, combined with the delicious outcome, makes this recipe a true keeper.