Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a comforting homemade treat featuring a soft, fluffy texture packed with melty cheese, fragrant fresh herbs, and plenty of garlic. This indulgent bread is perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own as a savory snack.

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, mix together the flour, instant yeast, and salt until combined.
2. Step 2: Pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Step 6: Evenly spread the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the dough.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from one end, pinching the edges to seal it like a burrito.
8. Step 8: Place the rolled dough in a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top.
10. Step 10: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to allow the flavors to settle and prevent a gooey mess.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm, not hot, water to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Try swapping mozzarella for a stronger cheese like goat or blue cheese for a flavor twist.
• For a Mediterranean vibe, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives along with the herbs and cheese.
• To make this recipe vegan, use vegan butter instead of olive oil and a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Avoid overfilling with cheese and garlic to ensure the dough rolls and bakes neatly.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat and restore its melty goodness, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. Microwave reheating is quick but won’t replicate the same texture as oven warming. Dough can also be frozen after the first rise; wrap tightly and freeze up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, let rise again, then bake as usual.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! Simply proof active dry yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a fine substitute; use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs to avoid overpowering the bread.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful and comforting homemade bread featuring a fluffy texture swirled with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme, and a generous amount of melty mozzarella or cheddar cheese. This bread is perfect as a savory snack or side, with an irresistible golden crust and gooey cheesy interior that pairs wonderfully with soups or salads.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (preferably unbleached for a rustic flavor)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water (cozy temperature, not hot)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (high quality recommended)

Flavor Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
2. Add Water and Olive Oil: Pour in warm water and olive oil, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a rough, shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—resembling a soft but firm texture.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch Down the Dough: Gently deflate the risen dough by punching it down, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
6. Spread the Flavor Layer: Evenly spread the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the rolled dough, ensuring full coverage for delicious flavor in every bite.
7. Roll and Seal: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape then pinch the edges firmly to seal and prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
8. Second Rise: Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up for a light texture.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing to let the flavors meld and to avoid a gooey mess. Serve warm with soup, salad, or as a snack.

Notes

• Ensure your kitchen is warm enough to promote rising; near a warm oven is ideal if ambient temperature is low.
• Use warm water around 100-110°F (37-43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
• Don’t overfill with garlic or cheese to make rolling the dough manageable and prevent spilling during baking.
• Let bread cool before slicing to make cutting easier and to maintain structure.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness.
• Dough can be made ahead and frozen after first rise; thaw overnight in the fridge and rise again before baking for convenience.

Keywords: Baking, Cheese Bread, Garlic Bread, Herb Bread, Homemade Bread