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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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