Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delicious homemade treat with a soft, flavorful crumb and a cheesy, garlicky filling. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack on its own.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Extra herbs or shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine warm milk and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour and salt. Add egg, softened butter, and yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Punch down dough and roll it out into a ¼-inch thick rectangle on a floured surface.
5. Step 5: Brush the dough with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Roll tightly into a log from the long side. Slice lengthwise, then twist the two halves with the filling facing up.
7. Step 7: Shape the twisted dough into a swirl or braid. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Cover and proof for 30–40 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with optional extra herbs or cheese.
10. Step 10: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
11. Step 11: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for a sharp cheddar or smoked cheese for a different taste.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs—use about one-third the amount.
• Brush the bread with garlic butter right after baking for extra flavor.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unsliced bread for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature before reheating. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Take it out to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a perfect homemade yeast bread with layers of melted mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh herbs swirled into soft, buttery dough. It’s ideal for garlic lovers and makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal or a savory snack on its own.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Filling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• Extra herbs or shredded cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the egg, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 7–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
4. Shape Dough: Punch down the dough to release gas, then roll it out on a floured surface into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
5. Add Filling: Brush the rectangle with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Form Swirl: Roll the rectangle tightly into a log from the long side. Slice the log lengthwise, then twist the two halves together with the filling facing upward.
7. Shape and Proof: Form the twisted dough into a swirl or braid shape. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, cover, and let it proof for 30–40 minutes until slightly puffed.
8. Preheat Oven and Finish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg wash and optionally sprinkle extra herbs or cheese.
9. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature ingredients except for the warm milk when activating yeast.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs, but reduce quantity by half as dried herbs are more potent.
• Roasting the garlic beforehand will give a sweeter, milder flavor compared to raw minced garlic.
• This bread freezes well; slice and freeze portions, then reheat in a toaster oven.
• If you prefer, swap out mozzarella for cheddar or another melting cheese for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, savory bread, twisted bread, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh herbs