Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread.

Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is the ultimate savory loaf—pillowy brioche-style dough layered with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh herbs, and garlic. Twisted into a stunning swirl, this bread bakes to golden perfection and is best served warm for gooey, cheesy bliss in every bite. Whether paired with soup or served as a holiday appetizer, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy brioche-style dough

• Swirled with melty, flavorful cheese

• Infused with fresh herbs and garlic

• Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort

• Versatile: serve with pasta, soup, or on a snack board

• Comforting and cozy—perfect for fall and winter

• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience

• Easy to customize with different cheeses or herbs

• Bakes golden on the outside, gooey inside

• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for gatherings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 fresh Italian herbs (such as sage, oregano, basil, and thyme)

• 2 cloves garlic, grated

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough: Add eggs, 3½ cups flour, and salt. Mix until combined and smooth. If sticky, add up to ½ cup more flour until dough is soft and smooth.

3. First rise: Cover the bowl and let dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, herbs, and garlic.

5. Roll and fill: Punch down dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Evenly sprinkle cheese mixture over the dough.

6. Shape: Roll the dough into a tight log from the long edge. Slice the log in half lengthwise, leaving one end connected. Twist the two halves together, then coil into a circle.

7. Second rise: Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.

8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and baked through.

9. Serve: Slice and enjoy warm for best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 15 slices

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 30–35 minutes

• Rising time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture

• Garlic overload: Add roasted garlic cloves into the filling

• More herbs: Use rosemary or chives for a different flavor profile

• Cheese swap: Try fontina, gouda, or gruyère instead of mozzarella

• Sweet-savory: Add caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for depth

Storage / Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days—reheat slices before serving

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months

• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or toast individual slices

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, use 1¾ teaspoons of instant yeast. Skip the blooming step and mix directly with the flour.

What if I only have dried herbs?

You can substitute with dried herbs, but use about ⅓ the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes. After shaping, refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight. Let come to room temp before baking.

Can this be baked in a loaf pan instead?

Yes, shape as a loaf and bake in a greased loaf pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The bread should be deeply golden on top and sound hollow when tapped. A thermometer inserted in the center should read about 190°F.

Can I freeze the shaped but unbaked dough?

Yes, shape and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, wrap in foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Will pre-shredded cheese work?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has no anti-caking agents.

Can I make this gluten-free?

This recipe hasn’t been tested with gluten-free flour and may require different proportions and rise times.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Serve warm as an appetizer, with soups, pasta, or holiday meals. It’s also great as part of a brunch spread.

Conclusion

Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that turns a simple meal into something unforgettable. With its fluffy texture, savory filling, and cheesy swirl, it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor in every slice. Whether you bake it for a special dinner, holiday gathering, or just because it’s the weekend, this bread is guaranteed to win hearts—and tastebuds.