Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt, ensuring they are well distributed.
- Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir the mixture until a rough dough forms.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the dough for filling: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
- Apply the filling: Evenly spread the minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the surface of the dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
