Tasty Three Cheese Bread

Featured in: Breads & Muffins

This soft braided loaf blends the sharpness of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan with fresh garlic and herbs. The dough is enriched with this flavorful mix, twisted into shape, and baked until golden brown. It's gooey, buttery, and perfect as a delicious centerpiece for celebrations or casual dinners. You’ll make yeasted dough, stuff it with cheesy herbed filling, and shape it into an elegant braid for baking.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 21:10:09 GMT
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three-cheese-braided-loaf | twistytaste.com

A hearty, cheese-filled bread with ribbons of garden-fresh herbs and garlic inside. The gorgeous golden exterior wraps a soft, flavorful middle that'll make your mouth water.

Key Ingredients

  • Active dry yeast: Always double-check expiration
  • Bread flour: Contains extra protein for chewier texture
  • Fresh herbs: Don't substitute with dried ones
  • Three cheeses: They all bring different mouthfeel
  • Quality garlic: Skip the pre-minced stuff
  • Honey: Helps wake up the yeast
  • Kosher salt: Brings out all the tastes

Instructions

Yeast Activation
Mix warm milk around 110°F with honey and yeast. Wait 5 minutes till it gets bubbly.
Dough Formation
Add eggs one by one. Slowly incorporate flour. Knead until it feels smooth to touch.
Initial Rise
Wrap it up, set in a cozy spot about 75°F for an hour until it grows twice as big.
Filling Preparation
Stir together all cheeses, finely chopped garlic, and cut herbs. Let sit until not cold anymore.
Dough Rolling
Stretch dough out to a 12x18 inch rectangle on a floured countertop. Spread your filling all over.
Twisting Technique
Roll it up like a log. Slice down the middle but leave one end joined. Twist the pieces with cut parts facing up.
Shape Formation
Wrap the twisted dough into a circle. Move carefully to a pan lined with parchment.
Final Rise and Bake
Let it sit 15 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Easy Homemade Three Cheese Twist Bread Pin it
Easy Homemade Three Cheese Twist Bread | twistytaste.com

Storage Tips

Counter: keeps 2 days, fridge: good for 5 days, freezer: lasts 3 months, warm it up before you eat it,

Seasonal Adaptations

Spring: Toss in chives and dill, Summer: Throw in sun-dried tomatoes, Fall: Use sage and rosemary, Winter: Mix in some caramelized onions,

Nutritional Benefits

Gets you protein from the cheeses, energy from complex carbs, bone-building calcium, and lots of good-for-you stuff from the herbs,

Family Tradition

We can't have a holiday without this bread now. When you smell herbs and garlic wafting through the house, you know it's a special day.

Serving Suggestions

Great with pasta, amazing with tomato soup, works for sandwiches, and shines at dinner gatherings,

Delicious Homemade Three Cheese Twist Bread Pin it
Delicious Homemade Three Cheese Twist Bread | twistytaste.com

This bread fits in everywhere, from a casual family dinner to a fancy get-together with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to swap in dried herbs?
Absolutely, just use a third of the amount since dried herbs are stronger than fresh ones.
→ Can I prepare the dough the day before?
Sure, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours right after the first rise.
→ What if the dough didn’t rise right?
Check if your yeast is fresh and ensure the milk is warm, not too hot, which can hurt the yeast.
→ Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Yes, just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Defrost at room temp before enjoying.
→ What pairs well with this bread?
It’s awesome with soups, pasta, stews, or even enjoyed by itself with some butter.

Three Cheese Twist Bread

A soft braided loaf loaded with cheese, garlic, and herbs. A showstopper for dinner or gatherings.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large loaf with a twist)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 1 teaspoon kosher salt
02 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
03 3 eggs
04 2 tablespoons honey
05 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
06 3/4 cup warm milk

→ Filling

07 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
08 1/3 cup fresh Italian herbs (oregano, sage, basil, thyme), chopped
09 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
10 1 cup mozzarella, shredded or cubed
11 2 cups cheddar, shredded

Instructions

Step 01

Start by mixing the yeast and honey into the warm milk. Let that sit for 5 minutes until it looks bubbly. Stir in eggs, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour. Use the dough hook to knead it until smooth, sprinkling in a bit more flour if it's sticky.

Step 02

Cover the bowl and leave it to rise at room temperature for an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 03

Mix the garlic, chopped herbs, and all the cheeses together in one bowl.

Step 04

Flatten the dough into a rectangle about 12x18 inches. Spread the cheesy mixture on top, roll it into a firm log, slice it lengthwise, and twist the halves together. Coil that into a circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 05

Cover the loaf and let it rest for 15 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden.

Notes

  1. Serve this warm while the cheese is still gooey.
  2. It's fine to use dried herbs, just cut the amount in half.

Tools You'll Need

  • A stand mixer with the dough hook attachment
  • Rolling pin to shape dough
  • Sharp blade for cutting twists
  • Flat baking tray
  • Non-stick parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Includes Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 12 g