Name: Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: 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· 4.7 from 23 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a bread recipe that’s bursting with flavor and has that perfect soft texture, I’ve got just the thing: my Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just your average bread — it’s a magical blend of melty cheddar, fragrant herbs, and roasted garlic all wrapped up in a tender, fluffy loaf. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing some friends, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs creates a perfect symphony of savory flavor.
Soft, Tender Crumb: Using warm milk and eggs in the dough ensures a rich, soft texture that melts in your mouth.
Visual Appeal: The twisted, braided shape looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to achieve — perfect for impressing guests.
Balanced Technique: The resting and proofing steps help develop flavor and volume without any complicated steps.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy bread, garlic bread recipe, herb bread, cheesy garlic 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

Every ingredient in this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or aroma. Plus, I’ll share little tips on picking each one so your bread turns out fantastic every single time.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy bread, garlic bread recipe, herb bread, cheesy garlic bread - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, three whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small heap of all-purpose flour dusted lightly nearby, a teaspoon of coarse kosher salt in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled active dry yeast, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small pile of shredded creamy white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with a mix of fresh chopped Italian herbs including sage, oregano, basil, and thyme, and two whole fresh garlic cloves alongside a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly grated garlic, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Warm Whole Milk: Helps activate the yeast and boosts the richness of the dough, making it softer and more tender.
Yeast: Essential for rising and that delightful fluffy texture. Fresh and active yeast is key here.
Honey: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness that balances the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Eggs: Give the dough structure and richness, enhancing both taste and crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure; I recommend measuring properly with a kitchen scale or spooning into your cup for accuracy.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering, and its coarse crystals work well in dough.
Shredded Cheddar: The star cheese for bold flavor — I like sharp cheddar for extra punch.
Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully and gives stretchy gooeyness to the cheese blend.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty depth that rounds out the cheese mix.
Chopped Italian Herbs (sage, oregano, basil, thyme): Fresh herbs lift the flavor profile, making every bite fragrant and complex.
Garlic Cloves: Grated fresh garlic delivers a punch of bold aroma and taste — freshly grated is a must for that genuine garlic flavor.

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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 things I love about this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the herbs or cheese blend depending on what we have in the fridge, and that always keeps things exciting!

Cheese Variations: I’ve tried swapping mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a smokier flavor — both are delicious in this bread.
Herb Swaps: Fresh rosemary or chives add a lovely twist if you’re feeling adventurous or want to match a seasonal mood.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the cheese mix for a little kick.
Make it Vegan: You can use plant-based milk and vegan cheese substitutes, but results will vary — I recommend experimenting a little.

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

Step 1: Activate the yeast and mix the dough

First up, warm up your milk to just about body temperature—it should feel warm but not hot. In your mixer bowl, mix the warm milk with yeast and honey and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until you see frothy bubbles forming on top. This is your yeast waking up and ready to work magic! Adding the eggs, flour, and salt, I mix with my dough hook until the flour is fully absorbed. The trick here is not to rush—adding flour little by little until the dough feels soft but not sticky will give you that luscious texture I love.

Step 2: Let the dough rise happily

Cover your dough bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. This part is so satisfying because you’ll watch your dough double in size—it’s like a little science experiment, but tastier! Don’t rush this step; it’s key to a fluffy loaf.

Step 3: Prepare the cheese and herb filling

While the dough is rising, mix together shredded cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped Italian herbs, and freshly grated garlic in a bowl. This blend is what I call the flavor gold — it smells amazing and tastes even better once baked.

Step 4: Shape, fill, and twist the bread

Punch down your risen dough gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Sprinkle that cheesy, garlicky mixture evenly all over. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll it into a tight log and seal the edges well. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise but leave a bit intact on one end — it’s a clever trick that helps keep everything together when you twist. Then twist the halves around each other and coil into a circle — it’s one of my favorite parts because it makes the bread look so elegant without any fuss.

Step 5: Final rise and bake

Transfer your twisted dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rest for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. This short final rest helps it puff up nicely in the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Slice it warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Milk Temperature Matters: If your milk is too hot, it’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and the dough won’t rise well. Aim for warm (about 100-110°F).
Don’t Over Flour: It’s tempting to add loads of flour, but too much makes dense bread; feel the dough—it should be soft and slightly tacky.
Twisting Technique: When you twist the dough, keep it tight but gentle to avoid cheese spilling out during baking.
Rest Before Baking: That last 15-minute rest is essential for a good rise and crumb, so don’t skip it!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy bread, garlic bread recipe, herb bread, cheesy garlic bread - A round loaf of cheese bread is sliced into thick pieces, showing a soft white inside with swirled orange cheese within the layers. The top crust is golden brown, sprinkled with herbs, melted cheese, and small green leaves. The bread rests on a wooden surface with two glasses of light beer in the background, and fresh green herbs are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my warm slices with a little dab of softened butter or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving — it brightens up the flavors and adds a nice color contrast.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a chilled tomato soup, a fresh green salad, or even alongside your favorite pasta dishes. I sometimes serve it with a charcuterie board filled with cured meats and olives for an easy party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve twisted the dough into different shapes like a braided crown or individual mini loaves baked in muffin tins—both make for eye-catching presentations. You could even sprinkle extra parmesan or herbs on top before baking for an artisanal look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days if wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. I like to store mine in a bread box or airtight container to avoid it drying out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen whole loaves wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to a month. When I want to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and refresh it in the oven to regain that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat slices is wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. I avoid microwaving as that can make bread rubbery or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour has higher protein content, which can give your bread a chewier texture and better rise. If you use it, you might need a touch more liquid, so add flour gradually and watch the dough’s consistency.
Do I have to use all three kinds of cheese?

You don’t have to—but using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan really hits all the flavor and meltability notes. That said, feel free to experiment with what you love or have on hand!
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix by hand using a sturdy spoon and then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s a great arm workout, honestly.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped underneath. An internal temperature of around 190°F confirms it’s done if you want to be precise.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those rare finds that delivers on every single level — flavor, texture, and wow-factor. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought this to gatherings to rave reviews (and sneaky seconds). Once you try it, I think you’ll love customizing it and making it your own staple. You really can’t go wrong with a warm slice of this bread in your hand and melted cheese oozing from every bite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give it a go — I promise it’ll become your kitchen’s new best friend!