Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a melty blend of three cheeses, this bread is sure to become a favorite side or snack.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped herbs, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Carefully roll the dough up jelly-roll style. Slice the roll lengthwise into two halves, then twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to show the swirls.
7. Step 7: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Step 9: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the melty, savory flavors at their best.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic herb butter.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon dried herbs if fresh aren’t available.
• Try adding cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for a savory twist.
• Use different cheese combinations such as fontina or provolone for a milder taste.

Storage

Store 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 wrapped well for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven until warmed through and crisp.

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 substitute instant yeast using the same amount, but mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving in water first.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work well as a substitute; use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 274 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful homemade bread featuring a flavorful swirl of garlic, fresh herbs, and a cheesy blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. Perfect as an appetizer or side, this bread is soft, aromatic, and golden baked to perfection.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 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

Filling

• 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

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the active dry yeast and sugar with warm water. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix and Knead Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead the ingredients together until a soft, elastic dough forms, which should take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a mixer.
3. First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs, sautéing until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Shape Dough and Add Filling: Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread the garlic herb butter mixture over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
6. Form the Swirl: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a jelly-roll shape. Slice the rolled dough lengthwise down the middle, exposing cheese layers. Twist the two halves together carefully to create a beautiful swirl effect.
7. Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavors.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate properly.
• You can substitute the fresh herbs with your favorite dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
• For a crispier crust, brush the top of the bread with olive oil or melted butter before baking.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• This bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, salads, or as a standalone snack.

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

Keywords: garlic herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, appetizer bread, savory bread, twisted bread, swirled bread