Description

This Garlic and Herb Bread recipe is a flavorful homemade bread enriched with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as a savory side or a tasty snack, this bread combines aromatic herbs with the richness of olive oil and cheese for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

4 cups plain all-purpose flour
1.5 cups warm water (100–110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (approximately 2¼ teaspoons)
1 small spoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling

4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cups mixed fresh herbs, chopped (mostly parsley with a little thyme)
1 cup shredded cheese (split between mozzarella and sharp cheddar)
Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

Kneading and Proofing the Yeast: Proof the yeast by dissolving it in the warm water (100–110°F) for 5-10 minutes until tiny bubbles appear, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the salt. Pour the bloomed yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour and mix to form a dough.
Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy, indicating proper gluten development.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour, in a warm place.
Shaping and Filling: Once risen, flatten the dough into a rectangle on a floured board. Evenly spread the minced garlic across the dough, then scatter the chopped herbs and shredded cheese over it. Gently press the filling into the dough.
Rolling and Braiding: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log. Slice the roll lengthwise to create two long halves. Twist the two halves together loosely to form a braid.
Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare it for baking the bread.
Brushing and Baking: Brush the surface of the braided dough with olive oil to enhance crust color and taste. Place it on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the crust is blistered and golden brown.
Testing Doneness: Remove the bread from the oven and tap the bottom; a hollow sound indicates the bread is fully baked and ready to serve.

Notes

Ensure the water temperature for the yeast proofing is between 100–110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
Use fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for the best aromatic flavor.
The combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar provides a nice balance of meltiness and flavor.
You can substitute the olive oil for another neutral oil, but olive oil adds richness.
Let the bread cool before slicing to preserve the structure and texture.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, homemade bread, cheesy bread, garlic and herb, braided bread, savory bread