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Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

This soft, flavorful garlic herb cheese bread is easy to make at home and pairs well with soup, salad, or pasta.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough 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) Use warm milk, not hot.
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for dough)
Garlic butter and toppings
  • 4 tbsp butter, softened (for garlic butter)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder) Add more garlic for a stronger taste.
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried mixed herbs)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) Different cheeses can be used.
  • 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Method
 

Making the Dough
  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 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.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Preparing the Garlic Butter
  1. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Set aside.
Shaping and Baking
  1. 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.
  2. Spread some garlic butter over each loaf and gently press shredded cheese into the top or make a slit and tuck cheese inside.
  3. Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Brush loaves with egg wash if using and sprinkle a little extra cheese.
  5. Bake 20–30 minutes until loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Let cool a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

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.