This beautiful loaf looks like homemade garlic herb cheese bread: golden and crusty on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, with melted cheese, garlic, rosemary, and herbs throughout. It’s perfect with soup, pasta, grilled chicken, or simply warm with butter.
This recipe includes exact measurements, step-by-step instructions, baking tips, nutritional information, substitutions, storage guidance, and frequently asked questions.
1. Recipe overview
Prep time
20 minutes
Rising time
1–1½ hours
Baking time
30–40 minutes
Yield
1 large loaf
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Oven-baked • Vegetarian with suitable cheese • Beginner-friendly
2. Ingredients with exact measurements
The quantities below make one large loaf, approximately 8–10 servings.
A. For the bread dough
How to Make Easy Homemade Bread
500 g all-purpose flour or bread flour (about 4 cups, spooned and leveled)
7 g instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
300–325 ml lukewarm water (1¼–1⅜ cups)
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
1½ teaspoons salt (about 8–9 g)
B. For the garlic, cheese, and herb filling
Crispy Golden Cheesy Garlic Butter Breadsticks with Melted Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs | Flirt Recipes
200 g shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups)
50 g grated Parmesan (about ½ cup loosely packed)
4–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons softened butter (28 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼–½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
C. For the golden top
1 tablespoon milk or 1 beaten egg for brushing
1 teaspoon olive oil or melted butter
A little extra grated cheese
A pinch of rosemary, thyme, or dried mixed herbs
Optional: flaky salt for sprinkling
Cheese tip: Mozzarella gives you the stretchy, melted cheese texture. Parmesan adds a savory, salty flavor. You can replace some mozzarella with cheddar for a stronger taste.
3. Step-by-step instructions
Making bread on a wooden board
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. If using active dry yeast, let it stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil.
Mix until a rough dough forms. Start with 300 ml water and add more gradually if needed.
Aménager un atelier boulangerie chez soi | Boulangerie Guilliano
Step 2: Knead the dough
Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes, or with a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, not dry or stiff. Add flour sparingly if it sticks excessively.
Постное дрожжевое тесто: пошаговый рецепт с фото и калорийностью — Открытая кухня
Step 3: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it. Leave in a warm, draft-free place for about 60–90 minutes, or until roughly doubled in size.
Rising time depends on room temperature, so use the dough’s appearance rather than the clock alone.
Chili-Cheese Knoblibrot | HOMEMADE
Step 4: Prepare the garlic herb cheese mixture
Mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, softened butter, olive oil, herbs, and black pepper.
Keep a small handful of cheese aside for the topping. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use four cloves instead of six.
Pan de Ajo y Hierbas con Queso | El Mundo Eats
Step 5: Shape and fill
Gently press the risen dough to release excess air.
Roll it into a rectangle about 30 × 40 cm.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll it up or fold it into a loaf shape.
Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends underneath.
Alternatively, fold the filling into the dough in layers for a rustic, marbled appearance.
Martha Stewart’s Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic-and-Herb Bread – Parade
Step 6: Second rise
Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover loosely and leave for 25–40 minutes, until visibly puffy.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) conventional or approximately 170°C (340°F) fan-assisted.
Pull-Apart Bread Recipe | Baked Bree
Step 7: Add the topping and bake
Brush the loaf with milk or beaten egg. Sprinkle on the reserved cheese and herbs.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, until deeply golden and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
The center should reach approximately 90–95°C (194–203°F) for a well-baked loaf. Avoid cutting into it immediately.
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread – Dina Bakery
Step 8: Rest and serve
Let the bread cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and the cheese to settle.
For extra flavor, brush the warm crust lightly with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. Nutrition information
Estimated nutrition per serving, assuming the loaf makes 10 servings and all ingredients are used.
Calories
310–350
kcal per serving
Protein
12–15 g
per serving
Carbohydrates
35–40 g
Fat
12–16 g
Fiber
1–2 g
Sugar
2–4 g
Saturated fat
5–8 g
Sodium
400–650 mg
These are approximate values, not laboratory measurements. Actual nutrition depends on the flour, cheese brands, salt, loaf size, and serving weight.
Allergens and dietary information
Contains: wheat/gluten and dairy.
Egg: only if used for the egg wash.
Nuts: the recipe does not require tree nuts or peanuts.
Vegetarian: yes, if the cheeses use vegetarian-friendly rennet.
Vegan: not as written, but plant-based cheese and butter can be substituted.
Gluten-free: use a suitable gluten-free bread flour blend and follow its hydration and rising instructions; ordinary wheat flour cannot be substituted directly.
For a lower-sodium version, reduce the added salt slightly and choose lower-sodium cheeses. For higher fiber, replace a portion of the white flour with whole-wheat flour, adding water as needed.
5. Important baking tips
Use lukewarm, not hot, water.
Water that is too hot can damage the yeast. Aim for approximately 35–40°C (95–104°F).
Avoid adding too much flour.
A slightly tacky dough generally produces a softer loaf than a dry, stiff dough.
Keep the filling under control.
Excess cheese or liquid butter can make the center greasy or prevent the loaf from holding its shape.
Check the center before removing the loaf.
A golden crust does not always mean the middle is cooked. If the top is ready but the center needs more time, cover loosely with foil.
6. Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I make this bread without cheese?
Yes. Omit the cheese and increase the garlic-herb butter slightly. You will have a garlic herb loaf with a lighter texture.
Q2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. Use the same amount by weight. Mix it with lukewarm water and sugar, then allow it to foam before adding the remaining ingredients.
Q3. Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes. After kneading, place the covered dough in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours. Let it warm and rise as needed before shaping. Alternatively, shape the loaf and refrigerate it overnight, then allow it to become puffy before baking.
Q4. Why is my bread dense?
Common causes include inactive yeast, too much flour, insufficient kneading, or under-proofing. Make sure the dough has expanded noticeably before baking.
Q5. Why is the center doughy?
The loaf may be too thick, the oven too hot, or the baking time too short. Bake until the center is cooked, and tent the top with foil if the crust darkens too quickly.
Q6. Can I make this recipe without an oven?
Yes, but the loaf needs a covered heavy pot or deep, thick-bottomed pan over very low heat. Results can be less even than oven baking. A conventional oven is the most reliable method.
Q7. Can I use dried herbs?
Absolutely. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and Italian seasoning work well. Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs, so use roughly one-third as much when substituting.
Q8. How should I store leftover bread?
Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration can make bread stale faster. Refrigerate promptly if your kitchen is very hot or humid, and reheat before serving.
Q9. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes. Freeze the cooled loaf or individual slices in freezer-safe packaging for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw and reheat in an oven at 160–180°C (320–350°F) until warmed through.
Q10. What can I serve with garlic herb cheese bread?
Tomato soup, creamy mushroom soup, pasta, lasagna, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad are excellent options.
Q11. Can I make the bread spicier?
Yes. Add chili flakes, finely chopped fresh chili, or a small amount of paprika to the filling.
Q12. How do I get a crust like the bread in the picture?
Use an adequately preheated oven, brush the loaf lightly before baking, and allow the crust to brown deeply without burning. Let it rest uncovered on a cooling rack so steam does not soften the crust.
7. Recipe variations
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Herb Bread Flavorful Delight – Recipe Website
Extra-cheesy version
Increase mozzarella to 250 g and add a little cheddar. Avoid overfilling the dough, which can cause leakage.
Gale Force Garlic Bread Recipe | ItsOnly.Recipes
Roasted garlic version
Replace the raw garlic with 1–2 heads of roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
RISTORANTI VERDI Bedlington | Order Online & Book A Table – Home
Whole-wheat version
Replace 100–150 g of the white flour with whole-wheat flour. You may need additional water and a little more rising time.
8. Printable recipe summary
Garlic Herb Cheese Bread
Ingredients: 500 g flour, 7 g yeast, 300–325 ml lukewarm water, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1½ tsp salt, 200 g mozzarella, 50 g Parmesan, 4–6 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp butter, rosemary, parsley or thyme, and black pepper.
Method: Make and knead the dough → rise until doubled → prepare the filling → shape the loaf → proof for 25–40 minutes → brush and top → bake at 190°C for 30–40 minutes → cool for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
- Grandma’s Cream Puffs – Light, Crisp & Creamy - October 17, 2026
- Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - October 17, 2026
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes - October 17, 2026
