Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves

A warm, cheesy loaf that fills the kitchen with garlic and herb scent.

introduction

This recipe makes soft, flavorful cheese bread that you can bake at home. It uses simple ingredients and normal kitchen tools. If you like easy breads, you may also enjoy a simple banana bread recipe for another easy bake.

why make this recipe

Make this bread because it is quick, tasty, and good with many meals. It gives soft crumb, gooey cheese, and bright garlic herb flavor. You can eat it warm or use it for sandwiches.

how to make Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves

This is a quick summary:

• Mix the dough ingredients until smooth.
• Knead a few minutes until soft and elastic.
• Let dough rise until doubled.
• Shape into loaves and let rise again.
• Brush with garlic herb butter and add cheese on top.
• Bake until golden and the cheese melts.

Ingredients :

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Directions :

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well and add the yeast mix, warm milk, and 3 tablespoons oil.
3. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Add the shredded cheese and mix in.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if sticky.
5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place 45–60 minutes or until doubled.
6. Punch down the dough. Divide into two pieces for two loaves or keep whole for one large loaf.
7. Shape each piece into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
8. Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Mix minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil. Brush the top of each loaf with this garlic herb mix. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
11. If using, brush with beaten egg for a shiny crust.
12. Bake 25–35 minutes until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
13. Cool slightly before slicing so the cheese sets a little.

how to serve Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves

Serve warm with soup, salad, or pasta. Slice and butter for breakfast or use slices for sandwiches. It pairs well with a simple tomato sauce or a light green salad.

how to store Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves

Let the bread cool fully. Wrap in foil or place in a sealed bag. Keep at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm in the oven.

tips to make Easy Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe for Soft and Flavorful Loaves

• Use room-temperature milk and water to help the yeast activate.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a warm spot like an oven with the light on.
• Do not add too much flour when kneading; a slightly sticky dough makes a softer loaf.
• Add cheese inside and on top for more cheesiness.
• Check the bread at the lower end of baking time to avoid overbaking.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked bacon bits or chopped olives for extra flavor.
• Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a milder taste.
• Make a whole wheat version by replacing half the flour with whole wheat flour.
• For a quick no-yeast version, try a quick bread method with baking powder (this changes texture).

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use about 1 3/4 teaspoons instant yeast and mix it directly with dry ingredients.

Q: How do I know the bread is done?
A: The crust should be golden and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped. An instant-read thermometer should read about 190–200°F (88–93°C) in the center.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free milk and dairy-free cheese, and use oil instead of butter.

Q: Can I freeze the baked bread?
A: Yes. Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Toast or warm slices to serve.

Q: Can I add herbs inside the dough?
A: Yes. Mix fresh or dried herbs into the dough for more flavor.

Conclusion

This garlic herb cheese bread is soft, simple, and full of flavor. For another soft cheese loaf idea, you can compare this method with a soft cheese bread recipe on Seasons and Suppers. If you want a no-yeast quick bread with cheese and herbs, see a similar take in the Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread (No Yeast) recipe.