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Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Loaf Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 47 reviews

This Ultimate Cheesy Bread Loaf recipe combines a soft, flavorful garlic-infused dough with a luscious blend of melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for a perfect cheesy garlic bread experience. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s ideal for a comforting appetizer or side dish that caters to cheese lovers of all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter

  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200g)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (115g)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (around 110°F/43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to mix and let the mixture sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups (250g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients begin to come together. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup (125g) of flour, continuing to stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a little more flour if necessary, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a mixing bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.
  5. Prepare garlic butter: While the dough is rising, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and allow the butter to infuse for a few minutes to develop a rich garlic flavor.
  6. Shape and second rise: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release trapped air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  8. Slather with garlic butter and cheese: Brush the top surface of the loaf generously with the prepared garlic butter. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
  9. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight browning, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool and serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier and neater. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Knead the dough sufficiently to develop gluten for a soft and elastic bread texture.
  • If you prefer extra garlic flavor, add more minced garlic to the melted butter.
  • Use fresh yeast if available, adjusting the quantity accordingly.
  • You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier crumb.
  • Wrap leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.

Keywords: cheesy bread, garlic bread, cheese loaf, homemade bread, mozzarella cheddar bread, garlic butter bread

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/ultimate-cheesy-garlic-bread-loaf-recipe/