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Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
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Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a warm, flavorful loaf bursting with melty cheese, aromatic herbs, and roasted garlic. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this bread features a beautiful swirled design and delivers bold, savory flavors in every bite. Perfect as a versatile snack or side dish, it pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own. Customizable with different cheeses, herbs, or extras, this bread is an impressive centerpiece ideal for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Herb Butter Spread

  • 6 tbsp butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)

For the Filling

  • 1 ½ cups grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan mix recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by combining warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Then, add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough rises, soften the butter, then mix in minced garlic and a blend of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This aromatic spread will infuse the bread with great flavor during baking.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread the garlic herb butter over the dough, then sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the edge to keep the filling inside.
  4. Create the Swirl and Second Rise: Slice the rolled dough lengthwise with a sharp knife, exposing the cheese and herb layers. Twist the two halves around each other to create the signature swirl effect. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a ring on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes for a second rise.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until it’s deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing so the cheese doesn’t leak out completely.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor.
  • Keep water warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Roll the dough firmly to maintain distinct swirls without gaps.
  • A combination of cheeses offers better melt and flavor complexity.
  • Don’t skip the second rise; it ensures a light and fluffy texture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/swirled-garlic-herb-and-cheese-bread/