Sometimes you just need something warm and cheesy. This garlic herb cheese bread is the ultimate comfort food. It fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. You will love how soft and buttery every bite is.
This recipe delivers a loaf that is tender and rich. It is perfect for sharing with the people you love. Making fresh bread at home is a rewarding experience for any cook.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This loaf looks like it came from a fancy bakery. But you can make it right in your own kitchen. It is perfect for cozy winter nights at home. Your family will beg for second slices every time.
The combination of roasted garlic and melted cheese is unbeatable. It is a great way to practice your baking skills. You get bakery-quality results with very little effort or stress.
Simple Cooking Steps
We use a simple yeast dough that is very forgiving. The stand mixer does all the heavy lifting for you. Rolling and twisting the dough creates those beautiful layers. It is much easier than it looks to master.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add 3 cups of flour, salt, and 4 tbsp softened butter. Mix with a dough hook on low speed.
- Gradually add remaining flour until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead for 7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, cream together 0.5 cup softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and oregano.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 0.5 inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the butter layer.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the internal layers, then twist the two strands together.
- Place the twisted loaf into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this loaf warm right out of the oven. It is incredible when dipped into hot tomato soup. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad. Make it a meal your whole family will remember forever.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for three days. You can also freeze the baked loaf for three months. To enjoy it again, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This keeps the crust nice and crisp for you. Avoid using the microwave as it makes bread chewy.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a thermometer to check your milk temperature carefully.
- Don’t add too much extra flour while you are kneading.
- You can use dried parsley if you don’t have fresh.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
- For holiday dinners, double the recipe to feed a crowd.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before you bake.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a sensitive stomach.
- Swap the mozzarella for sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use fresh rosemary instead of oregano during the spring.
Common Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can let the first rise happen overnight. Just place the covered dough in your refrigerator. This actually develops a deeper yeast flavor in the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The crust should be a deep golden brown color. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow when it is fully baked.
Will my kids enjoy this recipe?
Kids absolutely love the cheesy swirls and soft texture. It is a fun recipe to let them help roll. It is very kid-approved and perfect for lunchboxes too.
I hope this cozy garlic herb cheese bread warms your home. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy bite. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all -purpose flour
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add 3 cups of flour, salt, and 4 tbsp softened butter. Mix with a dough hook on low speed.
- Gradually add remaining flour until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead for 7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, cream together 0.5 cup softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and oregano.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 0.5 inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the butter layer.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the internal layers, then twist the two strands together.
- Place the twisted loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
