Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful and comforting bread perfect for any occasion. Filled with aromatic herbs, melted cheeses, and a hint of garlic, it makes a lovely centerpiece or a tasty side to your meal.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• Extra herbs or shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the egg, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 7 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a ¼-inch thick rectangle on a floured surface.
5. Step 5: Brush the dough with melted butter. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, chopped herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Slice the log lengthwise, then twist the two halves with the filling side facing up.
7. Step 7: Shape the twisted dough into a swirl or braid and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Cover and proof the shaped dough for 30 to 40 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle optional extra herbs or cheese for garnish.
10. Step 10: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden and cooked through.
11. Step 11: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, thyme, and oregano if fresh are not available.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use a combination of cheese varieties such as cheddar or fontina for a different taste.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or toast them directly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough covered overnight. Bring it to room temperature and let it complete the second rise before shaping and baking.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 69 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf, approximately 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful and aromatic loaf featuring a soft, tender dough filled with a delicious blend of mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a savory snack or a side to your favorite meals, this bread is beautifully twisted and baked to golden perfection, delivering a delightful combination of cheesy, garlicky, and herbaceous tastes in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Filling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Extra herbs or shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add in the large egg, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix and knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the dough for filling: Punch down the risen dough to release gases and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
5. Apply filling: Brush the rolled dough evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced or roasted garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Shape the bread: Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Carefully slice the log lengthwise, then twist the two halves with the filling side facing upward.
7. Form the loaf: Shape the twisted dough into a swirl or braid pattern and place it into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Second rise (proofing): Cover the shaped dough and let it proof for 30 to 40 minutes to allow it to rise slightly again.
9. Preheat oven and add egg wash: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg to give it a glossy finish and sprinkle extra herbs or shredded cheese on top if desired.
10. Bake the bread: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
11. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor or fresh minced garlic for a pungent garlic kick.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley, thyme, and oregano if fresh is not available.
• Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional mozzarella or parmesan inside the filling or on top before baking.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

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