Time is precious and this is worth every minute! Superb Cheddar Bread is filled to perfection with all the cheesy goodness. Homemade yeast bread rises to the top, then is rolled together with a cheesy, garlic, yummy center, that’s twisted into a circle of beloved happiness. Baked until golden-brown, you won’t taste anything like this again! Slice after slice, Superb Cheddar Bread is the optimum side option at all your eating-focused events. It’s so good, you may have to make a double batch!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more, to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/3 cup mixed Italian herbs, such as sage, oregano, basil, and/or thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Directions
Step 1 –In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the warm milk, the yeast, and the honey and stir to combine. Then, let it sit until it is bubbly on top, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 2 –With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, 3 1/2 cups of the flour, and the salt to the yeast mixture and mix to combine, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is still sticky, add the extra flour, starting with 1/2 cup, and mix until the dough is smooth to the touch.
Step 3 –Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 4 –Line an 18×26-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5 –In a medium bowl, add the cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, the parmesan cheese, the herbs, and the garlic and stir to combine.
Step 6 –Use the extra flour to lightly dust a work surface. Punch the dough down onto the floured surface, then use a rolling pin to roll it out, creating a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Step 7 –Evenly sprinkle the cheese mixture on top of the dough rectangle.
Step 8 –Starting with the longer side closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log (like you would a cinnamon roll) and then pinch all along the edge to seal.
Step 9 –Cut the log in half lengthwise, leaving a small portion at one end intact, and turn the dough halves outward, exposing the filling inside.
Step 10 –Starting at the end that’s intact, braid the two halves together, crossing them over one another until the dough is twisted together like a rope. This is a messy process; you can stuff any cheese that falls out back on top of the bread as you go.
Step 11 –Coil the braided dough into a circular shape, then carefully transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Cover and let it sit until it has risen, about 15 minutes.
Step 12 –While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 13 –Bake the bread until the top is golden-brown, about 30-35 minutes.
Step 14 –Slice and serve warm.
