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Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.2 from 1 review

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (1 serving)

Description

This Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread recipe produces a soft, flavorful loaf bursting with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to any meal, the bread combines a tender yeast dough with a rich garlic herb butter filling, braided and baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Dough 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

Filling Ingredients

  • 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

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water


Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Prepare Dough: Add the eggs, softened butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough thoroughly until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough rises, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and remove from heat; set aside to cool.
  4. Shape Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Brush the entire surface evenly with the garlic herb butter mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered dough.
  5. Form Bread Shape: Roll the dough into a log tightly. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll lengthwise to create two long halves. Twist the halves together with the cut sides facing upward to reveal the cheese and herb layers.
  6. Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the large egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush it over the risen dough. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and fragrant garlic herb flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warm—not hot—to properly activate the yeast.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors.
  • The fresh herbs can be varied or omitted based on availability and preference.
  • For a crispier crust, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or tray with a small pan of water in the oven to create steam.
  • This bread is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be reheated gently if needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American