Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread: 10 Steps to Delight Recipe
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread recipe combines aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey cheese swirled inside a soft homemade loaf. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer, side, or snack, this bread is golden-baked to crispy perfection with a flavorful, cheesy interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir and mix the ingredients until a rough dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch Down and Roll Out: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the minced garlic, mixture of fresh herbs, and shredded cheese across the surface of the rolled-out dough.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to create a swirl, then pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Second Rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed (use about 1 tablespoon).
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a crispier crust, bake the bread on the middle rack and place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
- Leftover bread can be toasted or reheated for a delicious second day treat.
Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, baked bread, savory bread
