This cheesy herb bread is a delicious homemade loaf infused with fresh herbs and loaded with gooey, melty cheese. It’s soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to soups and pasta dishes.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients (Cups & Grams)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour – 3 ½ cups (440g)
- Warm milk – 1 cup (250ml)
- Instant yeast – 2 ¼ tsp (7g)
- Sugar – 1 tbsp (12g)
- Salt – 1 tsp (5g)
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp (45ml)
- Egg – 1
For the Cheese & Herb Filling:
- Grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda) – 1 ½ cups (150g)
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – ¼ cup (10g)
- Fresh chives (chopped) – ¼ cup (10g)
- Garlic powder – ½ tsp (2g)
- Butter (melted) – 3 tbsp (45g)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, olive oil, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix grated cheese, chopped parsley, chives, and garlic powder.
3. Shape the Bread
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle (about 10×15 inches).
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the edges to seal.
4. Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the rolled dough onto a lined baking sheet or loaf pan.
- Brush with melted butter and let it rise for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or as a side to your favorite meals.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve warm with butter or garlic dip.
✔ Pair with soups, pasta, or roasted meats.
✔ Use for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a side to eggs.
Cooking Tips
✔ For extra softness, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
✔ Add different cheeses like feta, Parmesan, or pepper jack for variety.
✔ Brush with egg wash before baking for a shinier, golden crust.
✔ For a crispy crust, bake at a higher temp (400°F) for the last 5 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits
✔ Good source of protein from cheese and milk.
✔ Rich in fiber if using whole wheat flour.
✔ Healthy fats from olive oil and cheese.
Dietary Information
✔ Vegetarian ✅
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour.
✔ Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based cheese and milk.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fats: 8g
Storage & Reheating
✔ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
✔ Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & foolproof – great for beginners.
✔ Customizable flavors – use any cheese or herbs you love.
✔ Perfect for any occasion – breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
✔ Soft, cheesy, and flavorful – pure comfort food!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! If short on time, use pre-made pizza dough or bread dough.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or a mix of Parmesan & feta for extra flavor.
3. Can I add garlic butter inside?
Absolutely! Spread garlic butter before rolling for a deeper flavor.
4. Can I make this bread without yeast?
Yes! Substitute yeast with 1 tbsp baking powder and skip the rising time.
5. How do I make it fluffier?
Let the dough rise twice – once before shaping, and again after.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
7. Can I bake this in a cast iron skillet?
Yes! A cast iron pan gives a crispier crust.
8. What herbs work best?
Parsley, chives, basil, thyme, and oregano work beautifully.
9. Can I add toppings before baking?
Yes! Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or extra cheese on top.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Conclusion
This cheesy herb bread is fluffy, flavorful, and packed with melty cheese and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect as a side, snack, or even a sandwich bread. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress! 🍞🧀✨