Name: Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-490044H33M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 egg; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a warm, comforting loaf that bursts with flavor, then this Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe is the answer to your culinary wishes. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, pillowy bread loaded with fragrant herbs, garlicky goodness, and melted cheese that oozes with every bite. Whether you enjoy it alongside a hearty soup, a crisp salad, or simply slathered with butter right from the oven, this bread will soon become your new favorite go-to for sharing or savoring solo. It’s approachable to make, irresistibly tasty, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a base layer of white flour topped with five small piles of seasonings arranged in a circle: white salt, green dried herbs, light yellow garlic powder, white baking powder, and dark green dried herbs. Surrounding the bowl are other tools and ingredients including a white bowl with shredded yellow and white cheese in the top left, a clear measuring cup with cream, a small white bowl with grated cheese in the top right, a small jar of golden oil, a metal whisk with a wooden handle near the bottom right, and a white cloth with green and gray stripes partially visible on the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create magic. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the bread’s texture, flavor, and beautiful golden color, making them essential for your best loaf yet.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The bread’s foundation, providing structure and softness.
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: This little powerhouse creates the perfect rise and airy crumb.
1 cup warm milk: Adds moisture and richness while activating the yeast gently.
2 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the savoriness with a subtle sweetness.
2 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the bread tender with a subtle fruity note.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and regulates yeast activity.
1 egg: Helps with binding and adds a silky texture to the dough.
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella: Melts into rich, gooey pockets of cheese.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the bread with fresh herbal fragrance and color.
1 tsp garlic powder: Packs in that essential garlic punch without overpowering.
1 tsp dried thyme: Offers an earthy, aromatic layer that complements the cheese perfectly.

How to Make Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit until it becomes foamy on top, about 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise beautifully and have that irresistible light texture.

Step 2: Form the dough

Next, add the all-purpose flour, egg, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and dried thyme into the yeast mixture. Mix and knead everything until it comes together into a sticky but manageable dough. Kneading develops gluten, giving the bread its wonderfully chewy yet tender crumb.

Step 3: First rise

Cover your dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it doubles in size. This slow fermentation lets the flavors develop deeply, which is what makes this Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe stand out from ordinary bread.

Step 4: Fold in the cheese

Once the dough has risen, gently fold in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly throughout without deflating the rising dough. The cheese will melt into the bread, creating those irresistible pockets of gooey decadence.

Step 5: Shape and second rise

Shape your dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures your bread will be perfectly fluffy and tall when baked.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and fragrant. The aroma filling your kitchen will be nothing short of amazing.

How to Serve Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

A rectangular bread loaf in a metal baking pan is shown with a slice cut and set slightly out of the pan, revealing a soft and fluffy inside with an open crumb texture. The top crust is golden brown with some darker spots and is sprinkled with small bits of herbs, giving a rough surface look. The bread’s color ranges from light beige inside to a rich golden-brown crust on top, with the herbs adding dark green dotting across the loaf. The baking pan appears slightly worn with baked-on residue along the edges, and the image is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this bread even more special, brush the top with garlic butter right after it comes out of the oven. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can also amp up the visual appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread is a fantastic companion to virtually any meal. It pairs exceptionally well with creamy soups like tomato bisque or loaded potato soup, vibrant garden salads, or even a hearty stew. Its balance of herbs and cheese complements a wide range of dishes without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the bread into thick pieces and use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches, topped with avocado, roasted vegetables, or a drizzle of honey. You could also serve it warm alongside a charcuterie board for gatherings, letting guests enjoy the aromatic bread as they nibble on cheeses and cured meats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will remain fresh for up to three days, maintaining its soft texture and flavor.

Freezing

This Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it first for easy thawing, then wrap the slices or whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months for the best flavor retention.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy the bread again, thaw it at room temperature. For a freshly baked experience, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped. This brings back that irresistible softness and melts the cheese perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use different herbs in this bread recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh parsley and dried thyme are delicious, feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano. An Italian herb blend works wonderfully as a substitute, adding its own unique flair to the Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe.

Is it possible to make this bread without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the egg if needed. Just remember the texture might be slightly different—less rich and tender—but the herbs and cheese will still shine beautifully.

Can I substitute the cheese used in the recipe?

Definitely! Cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices for their meltiness and flavor, but other cheeses like Gruyère, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack work well too, each lending its own distinctive taste to the bread.

How long does it take to make this bread from start to finish?

The total time from mixing ingredients to a golden loaf is around 1 hour and 45 minutes, including the two rises and baking time. It’s a great recipe for a relaxed baking afternoon that rewards you with delicious results.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?

While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free bread flour blends. Keep in mind gluten-free dough behaves differently and may require adjustments to liquid amounts and rising times.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making your own bread, especially when it’s bursting with herbs and gooey cheese like this Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, giving you a warm slice of homemade happiness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will find a permanent place in your baking repertoire and your heart.