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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
