Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously fragrant loaf perfect for any meal. With layers of garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, this bread offers a savory twist that’s sure to impress your family and guests.

A sliced loaf of garlic herb pull-apart bread with multiple visible layers, each layer showing a swirl of green herbs mixed with soft melted butter or cheese; the outer crust is golden brown and slightly crispy with a shiny, toasted texture; the inside is light yellow with soft, fluffy bread and green herb flecks spread evenly, arranged on a wooden board with a blurred background of soft daylight. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
Step 2: Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
Step 4: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
Step 6: Spread minced garlic, herbs, and cheese evenly over the dough.
Step 7: Roll the dough tightly and pinch the edges to seal.
Step 8: Place in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: Cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use different cheese varieties like gouda or fontina for a unique flavor.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives with the herbs for extra depth.
Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter before baking for a shinier crust.
Make it dairy-free by substituting cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze the sliced bread in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for best results.

How to Serve

A golden brown loaf of garlic herb pull-apart bread is shown on a wooden board, with several sections visible. The bread has multiple layers, filled with melted cheese and finely chopped green herbs, creating a marbled effect inside. The top crust is crispy and browned with green herb bits sprinkled on top, while a couple of slices cut from the loaf lay in front, revealing a soft, airy texture with gooey cheese and herbs inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with softly blurred background light from a window. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to activate active dry yeast in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely. After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before continuing with the recipe.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf combining aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey melted cheese. This soft, savory bread is perfect as a side for meals, a base for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 0 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 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), chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead 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.
Prepare the dough for filling: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread filling: Evenly distribute the minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
Roll and seal: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
Second rise: Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes to puff up.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs but reduce the quantity to 1-2 tablespoons.
Mozzarella provides a milder, gooey texture, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor.
For a crispier crust, bake on a middle rack without a pan or add steam to the oven by placing a tray with water at the bottom.
This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easier thawing and toasting later.

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, savory bread, garlic herb cheese loaf