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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Second rise (proofing): Cover the shaped dough and let it proof for 30 to 40 minutes to allow it to rise slightly again.
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.
Bake the bread: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
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