If you’ve ever craved a bread that’s perfectly soft, savory, and packed with irresistible flavor, Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is just what you need. Imagine fresh, homemade bread with a delightful blend of melted cheddar cheese, fragrant garlic, and a touch of herbs. This recipe combines all the comfort of fresh bread with the delicious, savory flavors that will make you come back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or part of a larger meal, this bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

In just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to bake your very own loaf of garlic herb cheddar bread right at home. It’s soft, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor—perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own. The combination of sharp cheddar and aromatic garlic is nothing short of perfection, and the bread’s texture is soft and pillowy, making each bite feel like a comforting embrace. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive into the recipe for this soft garlic herb cheddar cheese bread!

What Makes This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Special?

Perfectly Soft Texture – This bread is irresistibly soft on the inside, with a slightly crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy interior. It’s the kind of bread that makes you want to eat slice after slice!
Loaded with Flavor – The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic adds a rich, savory flavor profile that is perfectly complemented by a blend of aromatic herbs. It’s like eating a cheesy garlic roll, but better.
Easy to Make – While homemade bread may sound intimidating, this recipe is beginner-friendly. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques, just simple steps to bring a flavorful loaf to life.
Customizable Ingredients – You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking. Want to add more garlic or use a different type of cheese? This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
A Versatile Side Dish – Whether you’re serving it alongside soup, pasta, or a fresh salad, this bread is a versatile side that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. It’s also great for dipping into sauces or enjoying on its own.

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this bread so tasty:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, giving it the right texture. If you want to make it a bit heartier, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for this recipe because it adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the garlic. Feel free to use mild cheddar for a less intense flavor or try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must here. It adds an irresistible aroma and savory flavor. For extra garlic punch, you can sauté the garlic in butter before adding it to the dough.
Active Dry Yeast: This is what helps the bread rise and gives it that perfect fluffy texture. Make sure the yeast is fresh, and activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough and helps give the bread a golden color when baked. You can substitute it with olive oil for a different flavor, though the texture may change slightly.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme work wonderfully in this recipe, giving the bread a herby flavor that’s subtle but adds an aromatic touch.

How To Make Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious loaf of soft garlic herb cheddar cheese bread:

Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients along with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir to combine. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky at this point.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much.
Add the Garlic and Herbs
Chop 3 cloves of garlic finely and add it to the dough along with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped parsley and thyme. Knead until these ingredients are evenly distributed.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Finish with More Cheese
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the loaf. This will melt into a cheesy, golden topping that’s irresistible.

Storage Options

Room Temperature Storage: You can keep this bread at room temperature for 2-3 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or a bread bag to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: If you want the bread to last a little longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bread can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply toast the bread slices in the oven or on a skillet until warmed through. You can even melt a little more cheese on top for extra flavor!

Variations and Substitutions

Use Different Cheese: Try using a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Add Spices: For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
Seasonal Variations: During the holiday season, add some rosemary or sage to the dough for a festive twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of this bread. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe depending on the flour blend.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) for a dairy-free alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without activating it in water.
Why is my bread dense?
If your bread is dense, it may not have risen enough or the dough may have been overworked. Ensure you let it rise completely before baking, and knead the dough until it’s smooth.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How can I make the bread softer?
Adding a bit more butter or milk to the dough will make the bread softer. You can also try reducing the baking time slightly to keep the bread softer.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Once it’s risen, punch it down, shape it, and wrap it tightly for freezing. Let it thaw and rise again before baking.

Conclusion

This Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal, the combination of cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a flavor-packed loaf you won’t forget. Give this recipe a try, and let the aromas fill your home with a warm, inviting fragrance. We’d love to hear how it turned out—share your photos and experiences with us!

Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g