A soft, fluffy homemade bread filled with melted cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs. This bread has a golden, crispy top and delicious cheesy layers that pull apart easily.
Recipe details
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Rising time: 1–2 hours
- Baking time: 30–35 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Oven temperature: 180°C (350°F)
- Pan size: 9 × 5 inches
Ingredients
1. For the bread dough
- All-purpose flour — 3 cups (375 g)
- Warm milk — ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Instant yeast — 2¼ teaspoons (7 g)
- Sugar — 2 tablespoons (25 g)
- Egg — 1 large
- Softened butter — 3 tablespoons (42 g)
- Salt — 1 teaspoon (5 g)
2. For the garlic herb butter
- Melted butter — 4 tablespoons (56 g)
- Garlic, finely minced — 4 cloves
- Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 tablespoons
- Dried oregano — 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper — ¼ teaspoon
3. For the cheese filling
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded — 1 cup (100–120 g)
- Cheddar cheese, shredded — ½ cup (50–60 g)
- Parmesan cheese — 2 tablespoons (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the yeast
Mix the warm milk with sugar and yeast. If using active dry yeast, leave it for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour.
Step 2: Make the dough
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the milk mixture, egg, and softened butter. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Step 3: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Leave in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the garlic butter
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Reserve a little butter for brushing the baked bread.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12 × 16 inches. Spread the garlic herb butter over the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Cut the dough into strips or small rectangles and stack the pieces loosely to create pull-apart layers.
Step 6: Arrange in the loaf pan
Grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan. Arrange the layered dough pieces upright or slightly overlapping. Cover and let rise for another 20–30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Finish and serve
Brush the warm bread with the reserved garlic butter. Sprinkle with extra parsley and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition information
Estimated values per serving, assuming 10 servings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290–330 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33–38 g |
| Protein | 9–12 g |
| Total fat | 12–16 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sugar | 3–5 g |
| Sodium | 350–550 mg |
These values are estimates and depend on the ingredients and portion size.
Allergens: Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg.
Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes. Omit the egg and add 2–3 tablespoons of extra milk as needed. The texture may be slightly different.
Q2. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Mix it directly with the flour before adding the wet ingredients.
Q3. Which cheese is best?
Mozzarella gives a stretchy texture, cheddar adds flavor, and Parmesan adds a savory taste.
Q4. Why is my bread dense?
The dough may not have risen sufficiently, the yeast may be inactive, or too much flour may have been added. Knead until elastic and allow the dough to double in size.
Q5. Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes. Shape the loaf, cover, and refrigerate before the final rise for up to approximately 12 hours. Allow it to warm up and finish rising before baking.
Q6. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze for 2–3 months for best quality. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q7. How can I make the crust extra golden?
Brush the top lightly with milk or beaten egg before baking, and brush with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
Q8. Can I make it without cheese?
Yes. Omit the cheese and use the garlic herb butter for a delicious garlic pull-apart loaf
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