Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
