Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
