Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread combines the comforting flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella in a beautifully twisted loaf. Perfect for sharing, it makes a delightful snack or side that pairs wonderfully with soups and salads.

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 the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs, softened butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
3. Step 3: While the dough is rising, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, then set aside.
4. Step 4: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with the garlic herb butter, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Step 5: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Slice it lengthwise down the middle, then twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upward to reveal the swirls.
6. Step 6: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash, then bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter.
• Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or provolone for a unique twist.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs instead.
• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven until warm and soft.

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 about 2 teaspoons and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. You can skip the initial proofing step, but allowing the dough to rise will improve texture.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, tightly covered. Let it come to room temperature and rise a bit before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (serves approximately 8 slices) 1x

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Description

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful homemade bread that combines the rich flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for serving warm as a flavorful side or a savory snack, this bread features a beautifully twisted swirl design that showcases the aromatic garlic herb butter and melted cheese within a soft, tender dough.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 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

• 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

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Prepare Dough: Add the eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the ingredients together until the dough is smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, allowing it to double in size.
3. Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, then set this garlic herb butter aside to cool slightly.
4. Shape Dough and Add Filling: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush the entire surface evenly with the prepared garlic herb butter, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Form Swirl: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upward to create a swirled effect.
6. Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover it and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
7. Preheat Oven and Apply Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top of the risen bread to help it brown beautifully during baking.
8. Bake Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the full melty garlic herb cheese experience.

Notes

• Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary add vibrant flavor but can be adjusted to your preference.
• For a crispier crust, you can bake the bread on a pizza stone or directly on a baking sheet.
• The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight for a slower rise, enhancing flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute mozzarella cheese with another cheese like cheddar or fontina for different flavors.
• Ensure the dough is covered during rising to prevent it from drying out.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, twisted bread, mozzarella bread, garlic herb loaf, savory bread