Cheesy bread is one of my favorite things to eat…. and to make! This garlicky, cheesy bread is easy to make, fun to twist, and a delight to eat. With short rise times and a quick spell in the oven, these little breads come together quickly, just in time for that special dinner.
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Melt the butter in a small sauce-pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted fully, add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown (1 - 2 minutes). Take off the heat.
Place the flour, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer or large bowl and mix lightly. Add the water and the garlic butter (with the minced garlic). Using the dough hook, mix the dough for 2 minutes on low. If doing by hand, mix with a wooden spoon until you have a shaggy dough. Check to see if you need a tbsp more of water, in case the dough isn’t coming together how you’d like.
Once you have a shaggy dough, increase the speak to to medium-low and let knead until you have a smooth dough (about 4 - 5 minutes).
Take the dough out of the stand mixer, and knead by hand for 30 seconds.
Take a bowl, oil it with olive oil, then place the dough in it. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes to an hour).
Take the dough out of the bowl and place on a clean, flat surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough so you have a long 18” by 12” rectangle. Don’t worry if it’s not exact, or you can’t quite get the rectangle shape.
Next, facing the long edge of the rectangle, cut 1 - 1/2 to 2’ strands of dough. The ends might be shorter in length, but that’s okay.
Taking one strand, use both of your hands to roll the dough into a thin, circular strand. It should be fairly long. Repeat the same step with the other strands until all of them are done. (Note: they do not all have to be the same size or the same width.)
Next, grease a cookie sheet or similar-sized pan. Place one strand of dough on the pan. Make a ‘U’ or horseshoe shape with the dough. Then braid the dough so you have a twist. You can either pinch the dough at the opposite end so it’s a ‘closed twist’ or leave it open. Repeat this process with the rest of the dough, separating each twist by at least two inches so there’s enough room for the dough to rise.
Cover the pan with a damp towel or greased plastic wrap. Let rise until puffy, but not quite doubled in size (about 30 - 40 minutes).
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the twists are puffy and just the way you like them, add the cheddar cheese on top. You can add as much or as little as you like. Be careful not to have too much of the cheese on the sides of the pan, as they’ll melt and can be hard to clean.
Bake the twists for 5 minutes. After the first five minutes, turn the tray and put back for a further 5 minutes, or until the breads are done and the cheese is brown in parts. (Check frequently). Take out of the oven and let cool.
You don’t have to use cheddar for these twists. Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, and a whole host of other cheese would go great if you want to try them out! Use Vegan cheese if you want to make this plant-based.
You could easily add some herbs into the dough as it comes together. Some ideas: sprinkle in some oregano or a little onion powder before you add the liquids. You could also cook a 1/4 cup of chopped onions along with your garlic and add to the dough for more texture.
Though these are called ‘twists’, there’s absolutely nothing holding you back from trying a different shape. The only thing to remember is that the dough is very thin because it’s extended to make the twist shape. This will be important when it comes to baking times.
How can I make Garlic Cheddar Twists vegan-friendly?
To make Garlic Cheddar Twists vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter and use plant-based cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors while keeping it dairy-free.
What are some good storage tips for leftover Garlic Cheddar Twists?
To store leftover Garlic Cheddar Twists, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; just wrap each twist tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their freshness.
What can I serve with Garlic Cheddar Twists for a complete meal?
Garlic Cheddar Twists pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, a hearty soup, or a pasta dish. They also make a great appetizer when served with marinara sauce or a garlic herb dip.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour in Garlic Cheddar Twists with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour in Garlic Cheddar Twists. However, keep in mind that the texture may be denser, and you might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
What is the best way to ensure my Garlic Cheddar Twists rise properly?
To ensure your Garlic Cheddar Twists rise properly, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. When mixing the dough, allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap. This helps create the ideal environment for the yeast to work, resulting in fluffy twists.
I'm a plant-based eater and food writer dedicated to making cooking and plant-based eating approachable and fun! I'm the creator of Samosas and Mimosas and regularly write on Medium about all things food.
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