Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread How-to Guide Recipe

Introduction

This swirled garlic herb and cheese bread is a comforting treat perfect for any meal or snack. Soft, flavorful, and filled with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, it’s sure to delight family and friends.

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, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Step 2: Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough to release air, then 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 edge, then pinch the edges to seal the roll.
8. Step 8: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try mixing different cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for more complex flavors.
• Use a combination of fresh herbs you prefer or add a pinch of dried chili flakes for a subtle heat.
• Brush the loaf with olive oil or melted butter right after baking for a shiny crust.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, replace with 2 teaspoons of dried herbs instead.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze the bread wrapped tightly and thaw before reheating. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for best results, preserving the crispy crust and melted cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but it requires proofing in warm water for 5-10 minutes before mixing with the flour and other ingredients.

Can I make this bread without fresh herbs?

Absolutely. Substitute fresh herbs with about 2 teaspoons of dried mixed herbs or Italian seasoning for a similar flavor.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread How-to Guide Recipe

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4.5 from 125 reviews

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread recipe is a delicious homemade bread featuring a savory blend of fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese rolled into soft, fluffy dough. Perfect as a comforting side or a tasty snack, it combines the rich flavors of mozzarella or cheddar with fragrant parsley, basil, and thyme, resulting in a golden brown, irresistibly flavorful loaf.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough 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

Filling

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

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
2. Add Liquids and Mix: Pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough begins to form and all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch Down and Roll Out: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape approximately 12×18 inches.
6. Add Filling: Evenly spread the minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the rolled dough, ensuring full coverage for each bite.
7. Roll and Seal: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams and ends together to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
8. Second Rise: Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffed.
9. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain its shape and texture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can substitute herbs based on preference, such as rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.
• Feel free to mix cheeses or add other fillings like sun-dried tomatoes or olives for variety.
• Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean slices and prevent the cheese from oozing out.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, savory bread, soft bread, baked bread