Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

This recipe makes an extra long, bakery-style cheese stuffed garlic bread with a soft interior, crispy golden crust, and a rich melted cheese center. The dough is made from scratch and filled generously with garlic butter and stretchy cheese. The recipe is written in full detail so every step is easy to follow.

Preparation Time

• Dough preparation: 25 minutes
• Dough rising: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Shaping and stuffing: 20 minutes
• Baking: 25 to 30 minutes
• Total time: About 2 hours 45 minutes

Servings

Makes 2 very large long loaves or 4 medium loaves

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 2 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg

For the Garlic Butter Filling

• 1 cup softened butter
• 15 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Filling

• 4 cups mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Optional Additions

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Jalapeños
• Olives
• Sweet corn
• Red chili flakes
• Caramelized onions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and leave it for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Add the melted butter, yogurt, olive oil, egg, and salt. Mix well.

Slowly add the flour one cup at a time while mixing continuously. When the dough starts coming together, transfer it onto a clean surface.

Knead the dough for 10 to 12 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should feel slightly soft but not sticky. If sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and leave it in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In another bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt.

Mix thoroughly until the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed through the butter.

Set aside at room temperature so it stays spreadable.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese.

Sprinkle in the cornstarch and mix gently. The cornstarch helps keep the cheese smooth while melting and prevents too much oil separation during baking.

Step 4: Shape the Long Garlic Bread

Punch down the risen dough gently to remove excess air.

Divide the dough into 2 equal large portions for extra long bread.

Roll one portion into a very long rectangle approximately:

• Length: 20 to 24 inches
• Width: 8 to 10 inches

Spread a thick layer of garlic butter across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Add a heavy layer of the cheese mixture along the center from one end to the other.

If using optional fillings like chicken or jalapeños, place them on top of the cheese.

Fold the dough carefully over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal completely.

Transfer the loaf onto a large baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Repeat with the second dough portion.

Step 5: Final Rise

Cover the shaped loaves lightly with cloth or plastic wrap.

Allow them to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so the dough becomes fluffy again before baking.

Step 6: Add Topping

Brush the tops generously with extra garlic butter.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Add parsley and chili flakes if desired.

Use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts across the top. This helps the bread expand evenly while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until:

• Deep golden brown on top
• Crispy edges
• Cheese fully melted inside

If you want extra browning, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end while watching carefully.

Step 8: Finishing

Remove from the oven and brush immediately with more garlic butter for maximum flavor and shine.

Let the bread rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese settle slightly while staying stretchy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Pizza sauce
• Creamy garlic dip
• Tomato soup
• Pasta
• Grilled chicken
• Tea or cold drinks

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Bake at 180°C for 8 to 10 minutes or air fry until hot and crispy again.

Tips for the Best Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread

Use freshly grated cheese because packaged shredded cheese melts less smoothly.

Do not overfill near the edges or the cheese may leak out during baking.

A pizza stone or heavy baking tray creates a crispier bottom crust.

For extra stretchiness, use high-moisture mozzarella.

Brushing garlic butter before and after baking gives stronger garlic flavor and softer texture inside.

Allow the dough enough time to rise fully for bakery-style softness.

For a stuffed crust effect, place cheese sticks along the edges before sealing the dough.