Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

This is another recipe from Half-Baked Harvest. When I was looking for this recipe to share, I got lost in her blog and found another 4 cheesy bread recipes I want to try.

This looks and feels fancy, but it's relatively easy to make if you've ever made something like homemade cinnamon rolls. I used the cheeses I had on hand, but I think the sharper cheeses listed in the recipe would be even more amazing. I happened to have all the recommended fresh herbs on hand.

This bread was our supper (and then lunch the next day), devoured while warm with pizza sauce for dipping. It's worth the time!

Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

3/4 cup warm whole milk (microwave 30 seconds)
2 1/2 tsp. yeast
2 Tbsp. honey
3 large eggs
3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped Italian herbs (I used sage, oregano and basil)
1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated

In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine milk, yeast and honey. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly. Add the eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour and salt. Use the dough hook to mix until the flour is incorporated, about 4 to 5 minutes. If the dough is not coming together, add additional flour until the dough is smooth to the touch.

Cover the bowl, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. 

After the dough has risen, gently roll the dough to a 12 x 18 rectangle. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Starting with a long edge, roll the dough into a log, keeping it as tight as possible. Use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthwise, leaving a small portion at one end intact. Twist the halves to expose the filling, and then cross the dough ropes over each other, repeating the twisting until entire log is twisted. Coil the dough into a circle, and carefully transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Stick any cheese that spills out back into the top of the dough. Cover, and let rise 15 minutes. 

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Slice and serve warm. Makes 1 loaf.