This recipe yields a flavorful and aromatic Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread, a delightful loaf that combines the savory goodness of garlic and herbs with the cheesy richness baked right into the dough. This bread boasts a golden-brown crust with a soft and tender interior studded with melted cheese and infused with the fragrant flavors of garlic and your favorite herbs. The dough is typically a simple yeast-leavened bread dough, often enriched with milk or butter for added softness. The garlic and herbs can be incorporated directly into the dough during kneading, ensuring their flavor permeates every bite. Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend, is also folded into the dough, creating pockets of gooey, melted cheese throughout the loaf. Some variations might include sautéed garlic for a more intense flavor or roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder taste. The herbs can be fresh or dried, with popular choices including parsley, chives, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. The loaf is typically baked in a standard loaf pan until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The melted cheese within the dough contributes to the moistness and adds a delicious savory element. This Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread is perfect as a side dish to accompany soups, stews, pasta dishes, or salads. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful snack or appetizer. Slicing and serving it warm allows the aroma of garlic and herbs to fill the air, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. The image shows a loaf of golden-brown bread baked in a dark metal loaf pan. The top of the bread has a slightly cracked and textured surface and is generously sprinkled with dried herbs, likely including thyme and possibly oregano. The bread appears to be savory and has a rich, appealing color.
The texture of Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread is characterized by a golden-brown and slightly crisp crust, giving way to a soft, tender, and airy interior studded with pockets of gooey, melted cheese. The herbs add subtle textural elements.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of the savory pungency of garlic, the aromatic freshness of the herbs, and the rich, salty, and often slightly tangy flavor of the melted cheese, all within a soft and slightly chewy bread base.
Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread is a flavorful and aromatic loaf that combines the savory taste of garlic and herbs with the cheesy richness baked into a soft and tender bread.
The preparation involves making a yeast dough infused with garlic and herbs, folding in shredded cheese, shaping it into a loaf, and then baking until golden brown and cooked through.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or a mix of dried herbs like oregano and thyme)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (for sprinkling)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Clean work surface
- Dough scraper (optional)
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Baking sheet (optional, for preheating pan)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh or dried herbs into the yeast mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Flatten the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese over the dough. Fold the dough in half and knead gently to distribute the cheese. Repeat with the remaining cheese, kneading until the cheese is evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread: If desired, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with additional dried herbs. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Cool the Bread: Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal structure to set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread! It’s a wonderful way to add a savory touch to any table.