Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a fragrant, savory treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its soft, fluffy layers filled with melted cheese and aromatic herbs make it an irresistible addition to any meal or snack time.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until a soft dough forms, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer.
- Step 3: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh herbs, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 5: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the garlic herb butter over the dough, then sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Step 6: Roll the dough up jelly-roll style tightly. Slice the roll lengthwise down the middle to expose the layers, then twist the two halves around each other to create a swirl effect.
- Step 7: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 9: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and gooey texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- For extra richness, brush the finished bread with melted garlic butter right after baking.
- Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
- Add cooked bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese mixture for a savory twist.
Storage
Store any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warmed through to restore crispness.
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. If using instant yeast, mix it directly with the flour and reduce the proofing time slightly since instant yeast activates faster.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely. After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
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Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread is a deliciously soft and flavorful bread, perfect as an appetizer or side. It combines aromatic garlic and fresh herbs with a blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses swirled into the dough. The bread is pleasantly buttery, cheesy, and aromatic, baked to a golden perfection with a beautiful twisted swirl that makes every slice irresistible.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 4 tablespoons butter
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let this mixture sit until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead the ingredients together until a soft dough forms, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or less with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs, sautéing until fragrant but not browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble Bread: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Shape Bread: Carefully roll the dough up jelly-roll style, starting from one long edge to the other. Slice the roll lengthwise down the middle to reveal the swirled layers, then twist the two halves around each other to form a twisted loaf.
- Second Rise: Place the twisted loaf into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise for 30 more minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and fragrant garlic herb flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the herbs with your favorites such as basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier kneading and a better rise.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated baking stone or pizza stone if available.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve freshness and melty cheese.
- This bread freezes well; wrap it tightly and thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic herb bread, cheesy bread, twisted bread, appetizer bread, homemade bread, savory bread
