Name: Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling); 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp water

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If you are craving a warm, comforting treat that brings together the perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and melting cheese, then this Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This bread is not just a side; it’s a stellar combination of soft, fragrant dough wrapped around a luscious filling of gooey mozzarella, fresh herbs, and aromatic garlic butter. Whether you’re serving it alongside a cozy dinner or enjoying it as a snack by itself, this recipe promises irresistible flavor every time you take a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a golden brown garlic bread loaf with a glossy, slightly crisp crust sprinkled with herbs. The inside reveals multiple layers of soft, white bread rolled with creamy melted cheese and finely chopped green herbs, creating a swirled pattern. The bread is placed on a wooden cutting board, and in the blurred background, there is some green leafy garnish. The overall look is warm, cheesy, and inviting with a contrast between the shiny crust and the soft, herb-speckled interior. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients right is the first step to nailing this cozy, flavorful bread. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the bread’s softness, rich taste, and vibrant aroma.

Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and adds moisture that leads to tender bread.
Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp): Helps the dough rise beautifully, giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and lends a subtle sweetness balancing the savory flavors.
Large eggs (2 total): Adds richness and structure to the dough, ensuring it’s soft but sturdy.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp softened + 2 tbsp for filling): Butter brings buttery flavor and tenderizes the dough as well as makes the garlic herb filling decadent.
All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): The foundation of your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Infuses the filling with that unforgettable pungent, savory aroma.
Chopped fresh herbs (2 tbsp, such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary): These herbs brighten and add fresh herbal notes.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey pockets of heaven inside the bread.
Egg (1 large) and water (1 tbsp) for egg wash: Gives the bread a shiny, golden-brown crust.

How to Make Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by combining warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to give your bread that perfect rise, a critical first step to achieving soft and airy bread.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the eggs, softened butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to your yeast mixture. Knead all the ingredients together until the dough is smooth and elastic. This kneading is important; it develops gluten, which gives the bread its chewy, fluffy texture. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Herb Butter Filling

While your dough is rising, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Stir in the freshly chopped herbs of your choice like thyme, parsley, or rosemary. This mixture will infuse every bite of your bread with an irresistible savory herbaceousness.

Step 4: Roll and Assemble

On a floured surface, roll out your risen dough into a large rectangle. Generously brush it with your garlic herb butter mixture, letting those flavors seep into the dough. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the surface. This layering is what makes every slice pack that perfect combination of soft dough, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic herbs.

Step 5: Shape Your Bread

Roll the dough tightly into a log, creating layers of garlic butter and cheese inside. Then, carefully slice the log lengthwise and twist the two halves, keeping the cut sides facing up so the cheese and herbs peek out beautifully as it bakes. This twist not only looks stunning but helps the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Final Rise

Place your twisted dough into a greased pan and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes. This final rise is crucial for a light, airy crumb and the perfect springy texture you’ll love.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Brush the top of your bread with an egg wash made from one egg and a tablespoon of water. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the bread is golden brown, the cheese is melted inside, and the top has an inviting, glossy finish.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This rest lets the cheese set slightly so every slice holds together with gooey, cheesy goodness. Serve your Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread warm for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

How to Serve Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a garlic herb pull-apart bread with many golden brown layers on top, each brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with green herbs. The bread has a soft, fluffy inside with creamy white cheese melted between the swirled dough layers. The golden crust looks slightly crispy with small dark spots, showing the bake is perfect. The bread sits on a smooth brown wooden board, and the background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a bit of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprinkled on top right after baking enhances the aroma and presents a beautiful, fresh look. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the flavors to a new level.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. It’s a perfect companion to soups such as tomato basil, creamy mushroom, or a classic chicken noodle. It also shines alongside robust pasta dishes, fresh salads, or even a rich stew, offering a cheesy, garlicky bite to complement your main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider slicing the bread into smaller pull-apart pieces and serving it in a bread basket lined with a warm cloth napkin. Alternatively, slice and serve with dips like marinara, garlic butter, or herbed cream cheese to make a delicious appetizer platter everyone will reach for.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, allow it to come to room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. It’s best consumed within a month for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices or the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This restores its crispy crust and melty cheese experience like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella offers the perfect melt and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different tastes and textures. Just ensure they melt well to keep that gooey center.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs add the most vibrant flavor, but if you only have dried herbs on hand, you can use about a third of the amount. Just mix them into the garlic butter well so their flavors infuse the bread.

How can I make this bread vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use a vegan cheese that melts well to keep the magic intact.

Is there a way to speed up the rising time?

To shorten the rising time, place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot or turn your oven on to the lowest temperature for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside. This gentle warmth helps the yeast work faster without risking overheating.

Can I make mini garlic herb and cheese bread rolls instead?

Definitely! Divide the dough into smaller portions, fill each with the garlic herb butter and cheese, then roll up and twist as desired. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until golden and cheesy. They’re perfect for parties or snack-sized portions.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe enough — it truly transforms humble ingredients into a savory masterpiece everyone will love. The intoxicating aroma of garlic and herbs combined with melty cheese wrapped in soft, fluffy bread makes it impossible to eat just one slice. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!