If you adore freshly baked bread with a burst of flavor, let me introduce you to the delight that is the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread. This bread is a perfect combination of tender, fluffy dough swirled generously with fragrant garlic butter, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite delivers a wonderful harmony of buttery, cheesy, herbaceous goodness that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a friendly gathering, this bread is guaranteed to be the star of the table and a new crowd favorite.

Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role – the yeast brings that perfect rise, the garlic and herbs pack the vibrant aroma, and the mozzarella melts to creamy perfection.

1 cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and enriches the dough for a soft texture.
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast: The crucial leavening agent that makes the bread light and fluffy.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness for a tender crumb.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and a buttery flavor to the dough.
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it strength and structure.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling): For the luscious garlic herb butter swirl.
3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Delivers that unmistakable savory kick.
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary): Bright herbs add freshness and aroma.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for deliciously gooey pockets throughout the bread.
1 large egg (for egg wash): Gives the bread a shiny, golden crust.
1 tbsp water (for egg wash): Thins the egg wash to brush easily.

How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step proves that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic in the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once the yeast is ready, add the eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the bowl. Stir and then knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer. Cover the dough and allow it to rise for one hour or until it has doubled in size. This time lets the dough develop flavor and texture.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in your chosen fresh herbs, then remove from heat and set aside. This butter mixture is what transforms the bread into that wonderful swirled garlic herb sensation.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll your risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush the entire surface generously with the garlic herb butter, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This layering will create the delicious swirls and cheesy pockets as the bread bakes.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

Starting at one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up to reveal the beautiful swirls of garlic, herbs, and cheese.

Step 6: Final Proof

Place the twisted loaf into a greased pan and cover it loosely. Let it rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise makes the bread extra airy and soft once baked.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush it over the loaf for a shiny golden crust. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and the cheese has melted invitingly.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier, giving you perfect pieces of the luscious Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread.

How to Serve Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Garnishes

To make your bread look even more irresistible, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top right after baking. A light drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a lovely finishing touch and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato bisque, creamy mushroom soup, or a robust minestrone. It also complements fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or your favorite pasta dishes, making it a versatile companion for many meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread warm as a centerpiece on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or even a spicy marinara sauce. This makes it perfect for sharing and adds a fun element to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh. Stored this way, it will stay good for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked bread by wrapping it first in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. When properly wrapped, it can keep its wonderful flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Wrapping in foil will help prevent over-browning while warming through evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides great meltiness and mild flavor, you could experiment with cheddar for sharpness, provolone for a smoky taste, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your preference.

Do I have to use fresh herbs or can I use dried?

Fresh herbs give the most vibrant flavor and aroma, but if you only have dried herbs on hand, reduce the quantity to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Is this bread suitable for beginners?

Yes! The steps are straightforward and forgiving, especially with the forgiving yeast dough. It’s a great project to try if you want to build your confidence baking from scratch.

Can I make this bread without eggs?

Eggs contribute to the dough’s richness and texture, but if you need to avoid them, you can try substituting with a flax egg or adding a bit more butter and milk to compensate, though the texture may vary slightly.

What is the best way to slice the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread?

Use a serrated bread knife for clean, even slices. Letting the bread cool for at least 15 minutes post-baking helps the cheese set and prevents the bread from tearing during slicing.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread a try soon – it’s a comforting and flavorful way to bring everyone together over something warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Baking this bread at home is one of those joyful kitchen moments that fills your space with the most incredible aromas and ends with a table full of smiles. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a soft, flavorful loaf featuring a rich blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This artisan-style bread is perfect as a savory snack, side dish, or party appetizer, boasting a golden crust and a tender, cheesy interior with aromatic herb butter swirled throughout.

Instructions

Activate yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Prepare dough: Add eggs, softened unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make 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 about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped fresh herbs of choice and remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
Roll and fill dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush the entire surface evenly with the garlic herb butter. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered dough.
Shape the bread: Roll the dough tightly into a log from one long edge. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise in half, exposing the layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upwards to expose the swirls of filling.
Second rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash for a shiny golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and gooey texture.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor; a mix of thyme and parsley works particularly well.
You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out excessively.
This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3.5 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

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