why make this recipe
This garlic herb cheese bread is soft, full of flavor, and easy to make at home. It uses simple ingredients you likely have. You can serve it with soup, salad, or pasta. It also makes a warm snack for family and friends.
introduction
This recipe makes two small loaves or one large loaf of soft bread with garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. The dough stays tender and the inside stays moist. If you like garlic and cheese, this bread is a good choice. For a great garlic sauce to serve with it, try a simple dip like the one in this garlic sauce recipe.
how to make Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves
Make the dough, let it rise, shape the loaves, add garlic butter and cheese, then bake. Work in this order:
- Mix dry ingredients, then add wet.
- Knead a few minutes until smooth.
- Let dough rise until doubled.
- Fill or top with garlic herb butter and cheese.
- Bake until golden brown.
For an easy garlic spread idea and tips on flavor balance, you can check this garlic sauce guide while you prepare the bread.
Ingredients :
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little more for dusting)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 105–115°F / 40–45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for dough)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened (for garlic butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried mixed herbs)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
Directions :
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well and add yeast mixture and 2 tbsp oil. Mix to form a soft dough.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
- Make garlic butter: mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Set aside.
- Punch down dough and divide into two pieces (or keep whole for one large loaf). Shape into loaves and place on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Spread some garlic butter over each loaf and gently press shredded cheese into the top or make a slit and tuck cheese inside.
- Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush loaves with egg wash if using and sprinkle a little extra cheese.
- Bake 20–30 minutes until loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Let cool a few minutes before slicing.
how to serve Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves
Serve warm. Slice and place on a plate with soup or salad. It also works well as a side to pasta or with grilled meat. You can offer extra garlic butter or a creamy dip.
how to store Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves
Let bread cool completely. Store in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, wrap in foil or plastic and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
tips to make Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves
- Use warm milk, not hot. Hot liquid can kill the yeast.
- Do not add too much flour when kneading; dough should be slightly soft.
- If you want stronger garlic taste, add roasted garlic or garlic powder to the dough.
- Add cheese inside the dough for gooey centers, or put it on top for a crispy top.
- Let the bread cool a bit before cutting to keep slices neat.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped cooked bacon or ham for a savory twist.
- Use different cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or a sharp cheddar.
- Make it herb-forward by adding rosemary or thyme.
- Turn into pull-apart bread by cutting the dough into pieces and stacking with cheese and butter.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use a little less instant yeast and mix it with the dry flour. No proofing step is needed.
Q: Can I make this bread without milk?
A: You can use water, but milk makes the bread softer and richer.
Q: How do I get the bread extra soft?
A: Use a touch more fat (butter or oil) and do not overbake. Let it rise fully for a light crumb.
Q: Can I make this as a no-yeast quick bread?
A: Yes, but the texture will be different. You can use baking powder recipes for quick cheese herb bread.
Q: Can I freeze the baked loaf?
A: Yes. Wrap well and freeze. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
Conclusion
If you want another soft cheese bread idea, see this Simply Perfect Homemade Cheese Bread for a similar simple loaf. For a quick no-yeast option with cheese and garlic, try this Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread.
Print
Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 small loaves or 1 large loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and flavorful garlic herb cheese bread perfect as a side or snack.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little more for dusting)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 105–115°F / 40–45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for dough)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened (for garlic butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried mixed herbs)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well and add yeast mixture and 2 tbsp oil. Mix to form a soft dough.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Make garlic butter: mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Set aside.
- Punch down dough and divide into two pieces (or keep whole for one large loaf). Shape into loaves and place on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Spread some garlic butter over each loaf and gently press shredded cheese into the top or make a slit and tuck cheese inside.
- Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush loaves with egg wash if using and sprinkle a little extra cheese.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes until loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Let cool a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm. Slice and serve with soup, salad, or pasta. Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: bread, cheese bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, herb bread