Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful twist on classic homemade bread. Filled with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Step 2: Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a warm area and let it rise for 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape.
6. Step 6: Spread the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese evenly over the dough.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the edges to seal it.
8. Step 8: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
10. Step 10: Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of fresh herbs you enjoy or substitute dried herbs if fresh are unavailable; just reduce the amount by half.
• Try different cheeses like gouda or fontina for varied flavors.
• Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil or melted butter before baking for a glossier crust.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a mild heat.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese inside.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and let it proof for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

You can substitute with dried herbs, using about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 488 reviews

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously soft and savory loaf, bursting with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey melted cheese. Perfectly golden and fragrant, it makes a fantastic accompaniment to meals or a flavorful snack on its own.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Filling Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt, ensuring they are well distributed.
2. Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir the mixture until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the dough for filling: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
6. Apply the filling: Evenly spread the minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the surface of the dough.
7. Form the loaf: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Pinch the edges and seam tightly to seal the filling inside.
8. Second rise: Grease a loaf pan and place the rolled dough inside. Cover again and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
9. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• You can substitute the herbs based on availability or preference; rosemary or oregano work well too.
• For a crispier crust, brush the loaf with olive oil or melted butter before baking.
• Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, savory bread, yeast bread