Chef-Style Cheddar Herb Bread: Your New Braai Table Essential

There’s a moment at every braai when the coals are glowing, the meat’s sizzling, and someone asks, “Is there bread?” This soft, golden cheese bread is the answer. Studded with sharp cheddar and finished with a crackling cheese crust, it’s the kind of side that quietly steals the show — perfect for mopping up juices or spreading with butter while you wait for the chops.

Forget plain garlic bread — this is braai bread with backbone. A pillowy-soft crumb, a generous hit of strong cheddar, and an optional handful of fresh herbs make this loaf the perfect companion to smoky meat and good company. Simple to prep, easy to bake, and gone within minutes of hitting the table.

South African braai culture runs on a few non-negotiables: good meat, good company, and something soft and cheesy to go alongside it. This easy cheddar herb bread ticks that last box beautifully. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have it in the oven while the fire gets going — soft inside, golden and crusty on top.

Ingredients:

• 80ml cooking oil
• 80ml milk
• 2 large eggs
• 500ml flour
• 250ml grated strong cheddar (or mix two cheeses)
• 10ml baking powder
• 3ml salt
• 125ml fresh mixed herbs (mint, basil, thyme) — optional
• Extra cheese, for topping

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Grease a small loaf pan.
3. Whisk oil, milk and eggs together.
4. Combine dry ingredients with cheese; well in the centre, pour in wet mix.
5. Fold gently to a firm dough — don’t overwork.
6. Transfer to loaf pan; top with extra cheese.
7. Bake 1 hour. Cool in the pan before slicing. Store in a plastic bag to keep soft.

Soft & Cheesy Braai Bread: The Ultimate South African Fireside Loaf

Irene Muller

Easy Soft Cheese Bread for Braai Day — golden, cheesy, and ready in 1 hour. The perfect South African braai side dish everyone will ask for the recipe of.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Braai, Breakfast

Cuisine South African

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 80ml cooking oil
• 80ml milk
• 2 large eggs
• 500ml flour
• 250ml grated strong cheddar or mix two different cheeses
• 10ml baking powder
• 3ml salt
• 125ml fresh mixed herbs mint, basil, thyme – optional
• extra cheese for topping

Instructions

 

Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease a small loaf pan.

• Whisk oil, milk and eggs together.
• Combine dry ingredients with cheese; well in the centre, pour in wet mix.
• Fold gently to a firm dough — don't overwork.
• Transfer to loaf pan; top with extra cheese.
• Bake 1 hour. Cool in the pan before slicing.
• Store in a plastic bag to keep soft.

Keyword Cheddar Cheese, Eggs, Flour, Herbs