Garlic Herb Braided Bread Recipe
If you love the irresistible aroma of fresh bread mingling with the scent of herbs and roasted garlic, this Garlic Herb Braided Bread will capture your heart (and taste buds) from the very first bite. This loaf is everything homemade bread should be: pillowy inside, burnished with a golden crust, and feathered with swirls of melty cheese and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re a bread-baking enthusiast or simply craving something soul-warming to share at the dinner table, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Let’s dive in—you’re just a few steps away from bakery-level Garlic Herb Braided Bread at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Garlic Herb Braided Bread is how easy the ingredient list is, yet each component adds a special touch, whether it’s flavor, softness, or that picture-perfect golden top. Gather these pantry staples and a few flavor powerhouses for your best bread yet.
- Flour: All-purpose or bread flour forms the sturdy yet tender base; use bread flour for more chew and lift.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is your leavening hero—proofing it ensures your loaf has gorgeous height and airiness.
- Warm Water: Just the right temperature (110°F) wakes the yeast up perfectly—too cold or too hot, and your rise will suffer.
- Olive Oil: Gives the bread richness and a hint of fruity depth, plus keeps the crumb moist.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt brings out all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar: Just a touch helps activate the yeast and adds subtle flavor.
- Garlic: Minced or roasted, the garlic is the soul of this loaf, infusing it with classic aroma and gentle bite.
- Dried Mixed Herbs: Oregano, thyme, and basil (or your favorites) provide herbal complexity—go fresh for extra vibrancy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Folded into the dough, it melts into salty, savory pockets.
- Melted Butter: Brushing the top gives shine and that classic bakery finish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch, for subtle warmth—optional but highly recommended.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Sprinkled on before baking, it melts into tempting, gooey strands.
- Fresh Parsley: The perfect garnish for pops of color and a hint of earthiness.
How to Make Garlic Herb Braided Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm water and sugar in a large bowl, stirring gently to dissolve. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and fragrant—those bubbles mean your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This step is crucial for a light, beautifully risen Garlic Herb Braided Bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly, stir in the olive oil, garlic, mixed herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of the flour. Mix everything together until it forms a soft, shaggy dough. If it’s too sticky, add the remaining flour a little at a time. You’re looking for dough that’s tacky but not gluey—this makes for the perfect pillowy interior.
Step 3: Knead and Add the Cheese
Tip the dough onto a floured surface, or use your mixer’s dough hook, and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. Halfway through kneading, sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese. As you knead, you’ll notice the dough becoming smoother and more elastic, with bursts of cheesy aroma floating up. This is when the magic of Garlic Herb Braided Bread really begins to show!
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about one hour. Don’t rush this part—the longer, slower rise deepens both flavor and structure for your Garlic Herb Braided Bread.
Step 5: Shape and Braid
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide it into three equal portions and roll each into a rope about 14 to 16 inches long. Lay the ropes side by side, pinch them together at the top, and braid—just like you’d braid hair. Tuck the ends underneath and transfer your beautiful braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second proofing gives your Garlic Herb Braided Bread its signature fluffy texture and height, so don’t skip it!
Step 7: Top and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with melted butter for a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle on the red pepper flakes and mozzarella. Slide the loaf into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s golden, fragrant, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let cool just slightly before slicing—if you can resist the smell!
How to Serve Garlic Herb Braided Bread
Garnishes
As soon as your bread leaves the oven, shower it generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green that brightens every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, an extra dusting of parmesan right out of the oven makes for an irresistible salty finish.
Side Dishes
Garlic Herb Braided Bread pairs like a dream with warming soups, hearty stews, or vibrant salads. Try serving thick slices alongside a tomato basil soup, creamy pasta, or use chunks to soak up saucy mains—trust me, your meals will never be the same.
Creative Ways to Present
You can coil the braid into a round for a show-stopping centerpiece, slice it into mini braids for individual servings, or hollow out a portion to use as a bread bowl for dips. For the holidays, arrange small braids in a wreath shape with rosemary sprigs as a stunning edible decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Garlic Herb Braided Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
Want to enjoy fresh bread on demand? Slice the cooled bread, wrap the pieces in foil or plastic wrap, and stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just pull out what you need and reheat for a real treat.
Reheating
To revive leftover Garlic Herb Braided Bread, pop slices in a 325°F oven for about 8 minutes or toast them lightly. You’ll get that fresh-baked aroma and a hint of crispness on the edges, just like day one.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Just mix it directly with the flour and skip the proofing step—though I find proofing brings extra confidence for great rise.
What’s the best way to roast garlic for this recipe?
For sweet, mellow garlic flavor, cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 35 minutes. Squeeze out the softened cloves and use them in your dough for extra richness.
Can I make Garlic Herb Braided Bread vegan?
Yes! Swap out parmesan and mozzarella for your favorite vegan cheese, use plant-based butter for brushing, and you’ll have a loaf that’s just as tasty and completely dairy free.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
If your bread is dense, it may be due to under-kneading, not enough rise time, or using water that was too hot and killed the yeast. Take your time with kneading and proofing for that perfect light texture!
Can I add other herbs or flavors?
Of course! This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a fantastic base for experimenting—try fresh rosemary, chives, or even sundried tomatoes for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with your mix-ins.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about watching a beautiful loaf of Garlic Herb Braided Bread come out of your oven, knowing you crafted it from scratch. Whether you share it with company or sneak an extra slice for yourself, I hope this bread brings a little extra warmth and excitement to your table. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love, bite after bite!
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Garlic Herb Braided Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion. The aromatic blend of garlic, herbs, and cheese in a beautifully braided loaf will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Herb and Cheese Filling:
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or 2 tbsp fresh
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
Finishing Touches:
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, prepare the dough: Combine warm water and sugar, sprinkle yeast on top, let sit until foamy. Stir in olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and most of the flour. Knead until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes, adding parmesan halfway through. Allow to rise until doubled.
- Shape and bake: Divide dough, braid into a loaf, let rise again, brush with butter, add toppings, and bake until golden.
Notes
- You can customize the herb blend to suit your taste preferences.
- For a cheesier bread, increase the amount of mozzarella or parmesan.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Braided Bread, Herb Cheese Bread, Savory Bread Recipe
