Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, pull-apart loaf perfect for sharing. Soft, cheesy, and infused with fresh garlic and herbs, it makes an irresistible addition to any meal or snack time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
3. Step 3: While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, then set aside.
4. Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush the dough with the garlic herb butter mixture, then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
5. Step 5: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle, creating two long halves. Twist these halves together with the cut sides facing upward.
6. Step 6: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the egg with water to make an egg wash, then brush it over the bread. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute mozzarella with sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available; simply reduce the quantity by half.
• For a richer dough, replace some of the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of olive oil.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze the bread in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warm and crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the flour, but reduce the initial rising time as instant yeast acts faster.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dried herbs work well too. Use about half the amount of fresh herbs called for, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delicious homemade bread featuring a soft, elastic dough infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, generously layered with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a savory snack, side dish, or appetizer, this bread is beautifully twisted for an attractive swirl pattern and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: Add eggs, softened unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and allow it to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
3. Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough rises, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add finely minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped fresh herbs and then remove from heat, setting aside the garlic herb butter.
4. Shape and Fill Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across.
5. Form the Swirl: Roll the dough into a log shape tightly. Slice the log lengthwise down the center, exposing the cheese and garlic layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upwards to create the swirl effect.
6. Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased pan. Cover and let it rise for an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the egg wash by beating 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it gently over the dough. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the melted cheese and aromatic garlic herbs.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain softness.
• Fresh herbs can be adjusted or combined according to taste preferences.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out excessively.

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, swirled bread, homemade bread, savory bread