Name: Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup warm whole milk; 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 large eggs; 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups shredded cheddar; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup chopped Italian herbs such as sage, oregano, basil, and thyme; 2 cloves garlic, grated

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving a show-stopping, ultra-flavorful bread that’s just bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness, then you’re going to love this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe. It bakes up soft and tender, with layers of melted cheddar and herbs woven right into the dough, and honestly, it’s become one of my all-time favorite ways to impress guests or just elevate a simple dinner at home. Stick around because I’m sharing everything you need to know to nail this fan-freaking-tastic bread every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sharp cheddar paired with fragrant Italian herbs and fresh garlic creates layers of irresistible taste.
Soft, Tender Texture: The warm milk, eggs, and honey give this bread a beautifully soft crumb that feels almost pillow-like.
Easy Shape & Presentation: Twisting and coiling the dough not only looks impressive but also evenly distributes the cheesy filling.
Always Melted Cheese Inside: Using a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan ensures gooey, melty bites in every slice.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread recipe, savory bread with herbs and cheddar, homemade cheesy herbed bread, easy garlic cheese bread - A round, spiral-shaped bread with multiple layers, each layer showing a mix of melted yellow and white cheese with visible herbs sprinkled on top. The bread crust is golden brown with some areas darker and crisp. Fresh green herb sprigs are scattered on the bread’s surface, adding color contrast. The bread sits on a wooden surface with glasses filled with a light drink around it, and some green leaves near the top and bottom edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here starts with classic bread ingredients, but the addition of cheese, herbs, and garlic turns this from basic to beloved. Each component not only adds flavor but also affects the texture and aroma in a unique way. When you shop, look for fresh herbs and good-quality cheeses to really elevate your bread.

Whole Milk: Warm to activate your yeast perfectly and add richness to the bread crumb.
Yeast: The key to a good rise – make sure it’s fresh for that fluffy texture.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory cheese and herbs.
Eggs: Enrich the dough for softness and a tender crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for structure but flexible enough to keep bread soft.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all flavors and controls yeast activity.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful, this is the star cheese here.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that gooey stretch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami depth and a salty kick.
Italian Herbs (Sage, Oregano, Basil, Thyme): Fresh herbs bring brightness and complexity to every bite.
Garlic: Fresh and grated for pungent, mellow warmth that permeates the bread.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often play around with the herbs or even swap cheeses depending on what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: I once added sautéed caramelized onions for a sweet contrast, and wow, it was incredible – the bread practically disappeared at our dinner party!
Herb Swap: If you’re out of Italian herb mix, fresh rosemary or thyme alone works beautifully too.
Dairy-Free Twist: For a lighter version, you could try dairy-free cheese alternatives, though expect a slightly different texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start the Dough

I always begin by warming the milk just right – not too hot or it can kill the yeast – then stirring in the yeast and honey. You’ll want to see the mixture get bubbly and foamy after about 5-10 minutes. This signals that your yeast is alive and kicking! Then, add your eggs, most of your flour, and salt. I use a stand mixer with a dough hook because it’s so much easier, but you can knead by hand too. You’ll want to knead until the dough feels smooth but still a bit tacky – add flour gradually to avoid drying it out.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size – this is key to getting that soft crumb inside your bread. I like to preheat my oven right before shaping to save time.

Step 3: Combine Cheese, Herbs, and Garlic

While the dough is rising, mix your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped Italian herbs, and grated garlic. This mix is what makes the bread sing! Using freshly grated garlic makes a difference – it has that bright punch that’s irresistible when baked inside bread.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Dough

On a floured surface, roll your risen dough into a neat rectangle about 12 x 18 inches. Spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the top. Starting at the long edge nearest you, roll the dough up tightly like a jellyroll, then pinch to seal the edge completely. Use a sharp knife to cut the log lengthwise in half but leave a bit joined at one end. When you open the halves, the gooey filling is exposed—so good!

Step 5: Twist & Coil for Perfect Layers

Now comes the fun part. Cross the two dough ropes over one another a few times, creating a lovely braided look that’s full of cheesy, herby layers. Then coil that twisted dough into a round wreath shape. Transfer lightly to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rest for another 15 minutes. This little extra rise adds to the fluffiness after baking.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. I like to slice it warm – the cheese is melty and the bread soft, perfect for pulling apart bite by bite. But if you wait and reheat, it’s still amazing.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Check Dough Consistency: Your dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour gradually to get this just right without overdoing it.
Herbs Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs when possible; dried herbs work, but fresh really brightens the bread’s flavor.
Sharp Knife for Twisting: A sharp blade helps you cut the dough smooth and evenly for a clean twist—don’t pull or tear.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Letting the coil rest before baking locks in that soft, airy texture you’ll love.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra parmesan or freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving – it adds a pop of color and a little extra zing. Sometimes I brush the crust with a bit of garlic butter after baking for an indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a creamy tomato soup. When I make it for dinner, I often serve it alongside roasted veggies or a flavorful chili—its cheesy richness balances hearty dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gatherings, I’ve shaped this bread into wreaths and decorated with little cherry tomatoes or olives tucked into the twists for a festive look. It’s not only delicious but a beautiful centerpiece that always wows my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it wrapped well helps maintain moisture so it doesn’t dry out too fast. If it starts to feel a little stale, a quick reheat fixes that instantly.

Freezing

I freeze this bread after baking and cooling completely by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven for 5-10 minutes. It’s almost as fresh as the day it was baked!

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is to wrap the bread in foil and warm it gently in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This melts the cheese inside again and refreshes that soft crust without drying it out. Microwave reheating often leads to sogginess, so I avoid that.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. This overnight rise actually develops more flavor. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have all the cheeses called for?

You can definitely mix and match. Cheddar is the star flavor, but mozzarella’s melt factor is great, and parmesan adds sharp depth. If missing mozzarella, extra cheddar works fine, or swap parmesan with asiago for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Gluten-free bread is a bit tricky due to the yeast and dough handling, but you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend meant for yeast breads. Just expect differences in texture and rising, and you might need to add xanthan gum for elasticity.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and listen for a hollow sound if you tap the bottom gently. An internal temperature (if you have an instant-read thermometer) should be around 190-200°F. If unsure, give it a few extra minutes but watch closely.

Final Thoughts

Making this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about pulling warm, fragrant, cheesy bread fresh from the oven – it truly turns simple ingredients into pure comfort. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to bread for special meals or whenever you want to treat yourself.