Homemade Three Cheese Braid: The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
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Get ready to fall in love with this incredible Three Cheese Braid! Honestly, this recipe is so delicious and incredibly addictive that I could easily make a meal out of it all by myself. Imagine a warm, golden crust filled with a decadent trio of melty cheeses, all baked into a luscious homemade pizza dough. To finish it off, it’s brushed with a savory blend of melted butter, fresh garlic, and parsley. It’s truly a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for more!
Over the years, I’ve experimented with many variations of cheesy breads and braids, but this particular combination has become my absolute favorite. The addition of cheddar cheese in this mix is a game-changer; it brings a delightful tang and depth of flavor that elevates the classic mozzarella and Parmesan. While it shares some similarities with my homemade three cheese pizza due to the same cheese blend, the magic happens in how the cheese bakes up inside the braided dough—it becomes unbelievably gooey and perfectly contained. It’s like a perfect, golden package of melted cheesy goodness! And for the ultimate experience, pair it with a side of quick and easy homemade pizza sauce for dipping. Trust me, you’ll be wanting to turn this delectable Three Cheese Braid into your next meal too!
Why Homemade Dough Makes All the Difference
You might notice a common theme of “homemade” in my recipes, and for good reason! Using homemade pizza dough provides a superior flavor and texture that truly sets this cheese braid apart. Don’t let the idea of making dough from scratch intimidate you. My pizza dough recipe is surprisingly simple, and I’ve included detailed instructions on how to prepare it ahead of time, whether you plan to keep it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later. Plus, that homemade pizza sauce? It takes just 10 minutes to whip up, adding a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the cheesy braid perfectly. The effort is minimal, but the reward is immense, resulting in a braid that’s far better than anything you can buy.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Entertaining
One of the best things about this Three Cheese Braid is its versatility, especially when it comes to preparing it in advance. You can bake the entire braid, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it an ideal appetizer or snack to have on hand for impromptu gatherings or busy weeknights.
When you’re ready to enjoy a pre-made braid, just transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Then, gently warm it in the oven until the cheese inside becomes beautifully ooey and gooey again. While nothing quite beats a freshly baked braid straight from the oven, this make-ahead method still yields a really delicious result and is a fantastic time-saver. For the freshest possible experience when planning ahead, I highly recommend making and storing the dough itself as directed in the homemade pizza dough recipe. This way, you can easily pull out the dough, let it come to room temperature, assemble your braid, and bake it fresh whenever you desire. It speeds up the process significantly while still delivering that irresistible fresh-baked aroma and taste.
The Art of Braiding (and Why Imperfection is Charming)
Don’t worry if you’re new to braiding dough! It’s much simpler than it looks, and even if your braid isn’t “perfect,” it will still taste absolutely incredible. I’ve included a couple of helpful photos and even a video clip below the recipe card to give you a clear visual guide. Remember, rustic charm often looks even more appealing! The goal is to enclose that wonderful cheesy filling, and a slightly imperfect braid just adds to its homemade appeal. The delicious combination of the crispy crust, molten cheese, and aromatic garlic butter will be the star, regardless of how neatly it’s braided.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cheesy garlic butter braid is incredibly versatile. It makes an excellent appetizer for parties and get-togethers, a satisfying snack for movie night, or a fantastic side dish for soups, salads, or even a hearty chili. The golden crust, the aroma of garlic, and the irresistible pull of melted cheese will make it a hit with everyone. It’s comfort food at its finest, easy to share (or keep all to yourself!), and always a crowd-pleaser.
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and devouring this fantastic Three Cheese Braid, my friends! It’s a recipe born from a love for simple, delicious ingredients coming together to create something truly special. So roll up your sleeves, gather your cheeses, and get ready for some serious cheesy goodness!
Three Cheese Braid
Ingredients
- 1 recipe for homemade pizza dough (Refer to the link in the text above or search for “homemade pizza dough on Countryside Cravings”)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- FOR THE GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING:
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove finely minced fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
Instructions
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Prepare your homemade pizza dough according to your chosen recipe through step 3 (rising). Once risen, gently punch the dough down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured or oiled work surface. Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 15×11 inches. Carefully place the rolled dough onto a lightly greased large baking sheet.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix until well combined. Spoon this delicious cheese filling down the center of your dough rectangle, making sure to leave enough space at both ends to fold them over.
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Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut 1-inch wide strips down each long side of the dough, extending from the cheese filling to the edge. Next, fold the short ends of the dough (the top and bottom edges) over the cheese filling to seal it in. Now, begin the braiding process: take one strip from one side and cross it diagonally over the filling. Then, take a strip from the opposite side and cross it over the first strip and the filling. Continue this alternating pattern, pressing down gently at the ends of each strip to secure it, until the entire braid is formed. (For visual assistance, please refer to the photos and video clip provided below the recipe card). Once braided, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and let the assembled braid rest for 5-10 minutes while the oven preheats.
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Bake the cheese braid for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. While the braid is baking, prepare your topping: in a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic), and minced fresh parsley. As soon as the braid comes out of the oven, brush this aromatic garlic butter mixture generously over the top. Allow the braid to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. For an even more delightful experience, serve it warm with a side of homemade pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
TO MAKE AHEAD: To prepare this Three Cheese Braid in advance, bake it according to the instructions provided. Once fully baked, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. For short-term storage, wrap the cooled braid tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
TO SERVE (from make-ahead): If frozen, transfer the braid to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed (or if refrigerated), warm it back up in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) until the cheese inside is thoroughly remelted and gooey. This reheating process helps to restore its freshly baked quality.
ANOTHER MAKE-AHEAD METHOD (Dough only): Alternatively, you can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time and follow the refrigerating or freezing instructions provided in the homemade pizza dough recipe. When ready to bake the braid, simply allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the three cheese braid assembly and baking instructions. This method ensures a freshly baked result with less active preparation time on the day of serving.
Click here for a video on how to braid the dough.
