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 tablespoons honey; 3 large eggs; 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast; 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 6 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through the kitchen, then this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s soft, cheesy, packed with garlicky herbs, and just perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!). Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through every step so your bread comes out perfect and irresistible.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Soft Texture: The warm milk and eggs create a tender, soft crumb that’s just dreamy to bite into.
Flavor Explosion: Combining sharp cheddar with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs gives an incredible depth of flavor.
Easy To Shape: The dough is easy to work with—rolling, twisting, and coiling into a stunning presentation that looks way fancier than it actually is.
Great for Sharing or Leftovers: This bread stays soft and cheesy even refrigerated, making every bite satisfying later on.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade bread with herbs, soft cheesy bread recipe, easy savory 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

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe brings together simple pantry staples with fresh herbs and cheeses that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient serves a purpose, giving the bread structure, flavor, or that soft, irresistible texture we all crave. Here’s the breakdown:

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade bread with herbs, soft cheesy bread recipe, easy savory 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

Whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and softens the dough for a tender crumb.
Yeast: The magic behind the rise—makes your bread fluffy and light.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a good rise.
Eggs: Richness and structure come from eggs, making the dough soft and flavorful.
All-purpose flour: The base of your dough—enough to give structure but not make it too dense.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, this cheese brings the bold flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding stretch and gooey cheesiness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that amps up every bite.
Italian herbs (sage, oregano, basil, thyme): Fresh herbs infuse the bread with amazing aroma and flavor.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives that unmistakable savory punch we expect in garlic 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.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the herbs based on what I have on hand or swap cheese varieties for a new twist. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—I’ve found that’s half the fun (and delicious results usually follow).

Variation: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the cheese mix for a subtle smoky heat—totally changes the vibe without overpowering.
Dietary tweak: If you want it vegetarian, stick with these cheeses but make sure the parmesan you buy is vegetarian-friendly (some aren’t).
Seasonal herbs: Fresh rosemary or chives in spring? Yes, please! Try whatever fresh herbs you have that pair well with garlic and cheese.
Gluten-free approach: If you want to adapt this bread, try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but know the texture will differ.

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

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast and Mix Your Dough

Start by combining your warm whole milk (make sure it’s warm, not hot—about body temperature) with yeast and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until you see a bubbly foamy layer on top. This means your yeast is alive and kicking. Then add the eggs, flour, and salt, and use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to mix everything together. If the dough feels sticky after 4-5 minutes, add flour gradually until it feels smooth and a bit tacky but not wet. Getting the dough consistency right here makes all the difference later on.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise and Double

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let your dough chill out at room temperature for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. I usually poke it gently after the hour—if the indentation stays, it’s ready. This rise gives the bread its lovely fluffiness.

Step 3: Add the Cheesy Herb Filling

While the dough rises, mix together your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped herbs, and freshly grated garlic. Having this ready will make assembly a breeze.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Twist

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12 by 18 inches. Sprinkle your cheese and herb mix evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll into a tight log and pinch the edges to seal. Then, carefully cut the log lengthwise in half, leaving a bit connected at the end (this helps with shaping). Carefully turn the cut sides up to showcase the filling and cross the two ropes over each other, twisting until you have a beautiful spiral of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Shape and Let It Rest

Coil the twisted dough into a circle and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This short rest helps the dough relax before baking and makes the bread extra tender.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and melted cheese peeking through the twists. Once out of the oven, let it cool just enough to slice, but I promise you’ll want to dig in while it’s still warm and melty.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Milk Temperature Matters: Too hot milk will kill your yeast; warm but not hot is the trick to a perfect rise.
Cheese Shredding: Shred your cheddar fresh instead of pre-shredded for better melt and flavor.
Rolling Tight: Don’t rush rolling the dough; a tight roll helps keep all that cheesy filling inside.
Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the shaped dough rest before baking ensures a tender crumb and gorgeous rise.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade bread with herbs, soft cheesy bread recipe, easy savory 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 like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan right after baking while the bread is still hot for an added salty kick. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley gives it a fresh look and taste, too. Don’t overlook a little garlic butter on the side—because, yes, more garlic is always welcome!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs brilliantly with soups like tomato basil, creamy mushroom, or a classic chicken noodle. It also shines next to hearty stews or alongside a fresh salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve twisted two circles and placed them side by side to create a braided effect that looks stunning on the table. You can also bake mini versions in muffin tins for party-friendly individual servings. They’re crowd-pleasers every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. It stays impressively soft because of the cheese and fats in the dough.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the shaped, unbaked dough before (wrapped well) for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature for the rise before baking. You can also freeze baked bread wrapped tightly—just warm it up later.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. You’ll get that fresh-baked taste with gooey cheese again, almost like it’s freshly made. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit chewy.

FAQs

Can I make this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead by hand—it will just take a bit more elbow grease. Make sure to knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. The dough consistency is key for a great rise.
What if I don’t have all the herbs listed?

No worries! Use whatever fresh or dried herbs you have on hand. Basil, oregano, thyme, and sage are great, but rosemary, parsley, or even chives can work well and add your own twist to the flavor profile.
Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes! Sharp cheddar is key for that classic flavor, but feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone or use creamy gouda for a different but delicious take. Just make sure whatever you use melts well.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Also, the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned in places. Using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe has truly become one of my kitchen favorites because it’s easy to make, fills the house with amazing smells, and tastes like it came from the best bakery around. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, pairing it with soup, or just grabbing a slice for a snack, it never disappoints. I promise, once you bake this bread, it’ll be a regular request from your family and friends—so grab your ingredients and get baking!