This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is a rich, savory twist on a classic homemade loaf—swirled with layers of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Inspired by the flavors of fall and comfort food at its finest, this bread is soft, fluffy, and golden with melty cheese in every bite. Its impressive braided appearance makes it perfect for entertaining, yet it’s simple enough to whip up on a weekend afternoon. Serve it as a side with soup or pasta, or enjoy it warm and gooey straight from the oven for the ultimate treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
¾ cup warm whole milk
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons honey
3 large eggs
3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
⅓ cup chopped Italian herbs (sage, oregano, basil, thyme)
2 cloves garlic, grated
Directions
In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, mix warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.
Add eggs, 3½ cups of flour, and salt. Mix until combined. Add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and soft to the touch.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a separate bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped herbs, and garlic.
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough into a log starting from the long edge. Pinch to seal the seam.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise, leaving one end intact. Twist the two halves together, exposing the cheesy layers.
Form the twisted dough into a circular coil and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm for maximum cheesy deliciousness.
Nutrients (Per serving – approx. 15 servings)
Calories: 263
Fat: ~13g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Carbohydrates: ~27g
Sugar: ~4g
Protein: ~10g
Sodium: ~330mg
Calcium: ~180mg
Iron: ~1.5mg
A Savory Twist on Classic Homemade Bread
What makes this bread so exceptional is how it marries the structure of a traditional yeasted bread with the soul-satisfying flavor of garlic, herbs, and three kinds of cheese. The dough itself is made from scratch and enriched with eggs and honey, giving it a tender crumb and slightly sweet backdrop that beautifully complements the savory filling.
Layered inside is a gooey trio of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—all offering different qualities. The cheddar brings boldness, the mozzarella adds stretchiness and melt, while the parmesan lends a salty, nutty depth. These cheeses are interspersed with finely chopped Italian herbs and fresh garlic, making every bite aromatic and flavorful. From the moment it starts baking, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of melted cheese and warm bread.
The Braided Presentation: Rustic Elegance
This isn’t just any bread—its striking twisted, braided shape gives it a rustic elegance. After the dough is filled, rolled into a log, and cut lengthwise, the layers of cheese and herbs are exposed and twisted together, creating an eye-catching spiral of flavor. This shaping technique not only looks beautiful but also ensures that every bite of bread is filled with generous ribbons of cheese and herbs.
Once baked, the crust becomes golden brown and slightly crispy, while the inside stays soft, warm, and cheesy. The circular shape makes it easy to serve and tear apart, encouraging communal enjoyment—perfect for family meals or potlucks.
The Power of Herbs and Garlic
Fresh Italian herbs are one of the secret weapons in this bread. A combination of sage, basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth and a seasonal feel—perfect for fall or holiday meals. Sage brings earthiness, basil adds sweetness, oregano introduces a peppery tone, and thyme contributes floral, woodsy notes. When chopped and mixed with the cheeses, they infuse the filling with vibrant flavor.
Garlic takes the flavor even further. Used fresh and grated directly into the filling, it spreads evenly and releases its pungent aroma as the bread bakes. The garlic doesn’t overpower—it weaves seamlessly into the blend, balancing the richness of the cheese and elevating the herbal notes.
Perfect for Pairing
This bread is endlessly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it warm alongside creamy soups like tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, or potato leek. It also makes a standout accompaniment to pasta dishes—especially those with marinara, pesto, or alfredo sauces. At brunch, it can be sliced and served with scrambled eggs or a hearty vegetable frittata.
And of course, it stands perfectly on its own. A warm slice, enjoyed straight from the oven, doesn’t need anything else—except perhaps a pat of butter for extra indulgence.
You can even repurpose leftovers. Try toasting slices and topping them with poached eggs, or using them to make grilled cheese sandwiches. The structure and flavor of the bread hold up beautifully to reheating, making it one of those rare recipes that’s just as good the next day.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While this bread is best enjoyed fresh, it also stores well and can be prepped in advance. After the dough has risen and been braided, you can refrigerate it overnight and bake it the next day. Simply let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats.
Once baked, store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave to bring back their gooey warmth.
This bread also freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
Nutrition and Wholesome Ingredients
Despite its indulgent flavors, this bread strikes a decent nutritional balance. Each slice (based on 15 servings) provides around 263 calories and a solid 10 grams of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs in the dough. The cheeses offer calcium and a rich source of fats, while the herbs and garlic contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
You can adapt the recipe to meet dietary needs or preferences. For a slightly lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese or replace some of the cheese with sautéed vegetables like spinach or caramelized onions. If you want more whole grain content, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour—just note that this may make the bread slightly denser.
Tips for Best Results
Use high-quality cheeses and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best texture.
When rolling and twisting the dough, work gently to keep the layers intact.
Brush the crust with olive oil or an egg wash before baking to enhance its golden color.
Serve the bread warm to enjoy the full melty, savory experience.
Conclusion
Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is the ultimate marriage of comfort food and artisan baking. With its tender, fluffy texture, rich cheesy layers, and fragrant herbs, it brings a bakery-level experience to your home kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it at a dinner party, slicing it for a family meal, or indulging in it solo with a bowl of soup, this bread is designed to impress and satisfy.
Beyond its flavor and visual appeal, the process of making and braiding this bread adds a layer of fun and creativity to baking. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor each step, and reap the delicious rewards. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—an all-season favorite for gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself to something homemade and extraordinary.
