Ingredients:
- 1 cup Warm Whole Milk (approx. 105°F/40°C)
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
- 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt (for dough)
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted (for filling)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced finely
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
- ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt (for filling)
- ½ tsp Fresh Black Pepper
- 1 cup Low-Moisture Mozzarella, grated
- ½ cup Sharp Cheddar, grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is frothy (the ‘bloom’).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the 4 tbsp of melted butter and the beaten egg into the yeast mixture.
- Combine Dry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- First Proof: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rest in a warm place for 30 minutes (it will be slightly puffy but not doubled).
- Prepare the Coatings: For the Garlic Butter, melt 6 tbsp of butter and stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside. For the Cheese Mix, combine the grated mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan in a separate bowl.
- Cut the Dough: Gently punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a rough rectangle (approximately 12x15 inches / 30x38 cm).
- Slice and Separate: Cut the dough into approximately 36–40 small, rough squares or diamond shapes (about 1.5 inches / 4 cm wide).
- Coat and Layer: Dip each dough piece into the melted garlic butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Toss the coated pieces into the bowl of grated cheese until generously covered.
- Load the Pan: Lightly grease a Bundt pan. Layer the coated dough pieces into the pan, alternating them with remaining sprinkles of the cheese mixture. Press lightly to settle them.
- Second Proof: Cover the Bundt pan loosely. Allow the bread to proof in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until the dough has nearly doubled in volume and fills the pan.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil. The bread is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200–205°F (93–96°C).
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Invert the bread onto a serving plate. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey.