Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread Recipe
Fluffy, golden, and irresistibly buttery — this homemade bread is filled with cheesy garlic-parsley goodness inside every layer.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Filling & Topping
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate and combine
Whisk warm water, warm milk, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until sugar dissolves. Sprinkle instant yeast over the surface and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2
- 3
Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer and dough hook on medium speed 6–8 minutes.
- 4
First rise
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free place for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Filling & Assembly
- 5
Prepare garlic-parsley butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined.
- 6
Shape dough
Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a rectangle about 12x16 inches (roughly 1/2 inch thick). If dough springs back, let rest 5 minutes and continue rolling.
- 7
- 8
Fold and layer
Starting from the long side, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise so cheese is enclosed (or roll into a log for a spiral effect). Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the folded dough into 8 equal strips. Stack the strips on top of each other and press gently to seal seams, or twist pairs of strips to create a knotted look. Place the assembled loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan or into a parchment-lined 9-inch round pan, arranging pieces so seams face down.
- 9
Second rise
Cover the assembled loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- 10
Egg wash and final butter
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk 1 egg with 1 tsp water for an egg wash. Gently brush the loaf surface with the egg wash. Melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of garlic-parsley butter (if chilled) and brush lightly over the dough top. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, pressing lightly so cheese adheres.
- 11
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 28–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190–200°F (88–93°C). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 8–10 minutes.
- 12
