Description
This Garlic and Herb Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf combining freshly minced garlic, mixed herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. The soft, springy dough is enriched with olive oil and baked to a golden, blistered crust, making it perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to meals.
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
- Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with warm water (100-110°F) and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until tiny bubbles form, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt. Pour in the bloomed yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springy.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Fill: After the dough has risen, flatten it into a rectangle on a floured board. Evenly spread the minced garlic over the surface, scatter the chopped herbs, and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Roll and Braid: Gently press the filling into the dough, then roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other. Slice the roll lengthwise down the middle, and twist the two halves together loosely to form a braid.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Place the braided dough onto a baking sheet, brush the surface generously with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 20-30 minutes until the crust is blistered and golden brown. To check for doneness, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for proofing the yeast is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast—100-110°F is ideal.
- For a more intense herb flavor, increase the amount of fresh herbs slightly or add herbs like rosemary or basil.
- Mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar provides a nice balance of creaminess and tang.
- Brush the bread with olive oil instead of butter for a lighter crust with a distinct flavor.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic bread, Herb bread, Cheese bread, Homemade bread, Savory bread, Baked garlic herb loaf
