Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Few things are as comforting and irresistible as warm, homemade bread straight from the oven. Now, imagine that bread infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and melty mozzarella, twisted into a gorgeous swirl and baked to golden perfection. That’s exactly what you get with Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread—a loaf that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Whether served alongside a hearty pasta, a fresh salad, or enjoyed on its own as a snack, this bread is perfect for elevating any meal. With a crisp crust, tender interior, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s a showstopper for dinner parties, family meals, or even just a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and savory: Mozzarella and garlic herb butter create an indulgent, flavorful bite.
• Elegant presentation: Twisted, swirled layers make it a beautiful centerpiece.
• Homemade comfort food: Freshly baked bread with buttery aroma fills your kitchen.
• Vegetarian-friendly: No meat required—just pure cheesy goodness.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side, appetizer, or standalone snack.
• Customizable: Add Parmesan, different herbs, or even cooked bacon for variation.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 1 large loaf.

Dough

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

Filling

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook
• Rolling pin
• Small saucepan
• Baking pan (loaf or round pan)
• Pastry brush
• Knife for slicing
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the bread.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture.
2. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand.
3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

1. While the dough rises, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped fresh herbs and remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle.
2. Brush generously with the prepared garlic herb butter.
3. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered surface.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

1. Roll the dough into a log from one long side.
2. Slice the log lengthwise to expose the layers.
3. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to reveal the swirls.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Place the twisted loaf in a greased baking pan.
2. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk 1 egg with 1 tbsp water to make the egg wash.
3. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Extra flavor: Sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar over the top before baking.
• Herb swaps: Use rosemary, basil, or oregano if preferred.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cheese.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake fresh.
• Parmesan twist: Mix Parmesan into the filling for added sharpness.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Rich, buttery, garlicky, with a gooey, cheesy center.
• Texture: Pillowy interior, crisp crust, melty layers of mozzarella.
• Pairing ideas:
  • Serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy Alfredo.
  • Complement soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom.
  • Perfect for charcuterie boards or as a standalone appetizer.

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	240 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	310 mg
Cholesterol	55 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free. Can be adapted to gluten-free with proper flour substitution.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked loaf in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Egg wash: Apply fresh before baking if storing dough in advance.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, reduce to 2 tsp total, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

2. How do I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out?
Roll and twist carefully, keeping the cut sides facing up to trap the filling.

3. Can I make smaller loaves?
Absolutely. Halve the dough to make 2 mini loaves; adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.

4. Can I use other cheeses?
Mozzarella works best for meltiness, but cheddar, provolone, or a blend are excellent alternatives.

5. How do I get a glossy crust?
Brush the top with egg wash right before baking for a shiny finish.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Yeast activation	10 minutes
Dough kneading & rise	1 hour
Prepare filling	5 minutes
Roll, fill & shape	10–15 minutes
Second rise	30–40 minutes
Bake	35–40 minutes
Cooling	15 minutes
Total	2 hours 10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Slice thickly for a gooey, cheesy bite.
• Serve alongside pasta, salads, or hearty soups.
• Great as a centerpiece for dinner parties or casual family meals.

Recipe Variations

1. Parmesan Herb Bread: Mix Parmesan with mozzarella for extra depth.
2. Spicy Garlic Bread: Add red pepper flakes to garlic butter for a kick.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the swirl.
4. Cheddar Jalapeño Bread: Add cheddar and finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Garlic

• Provides the aromatic base of the bread.
• Use fresh cloves for a sweet, robust flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Thyme, parsley, or rosemary elevate the bread with a bright, savory note.
• Chop finely to distribute evenly in the filling.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Kneading: Ensure dough is elastic and smooth for airy texture.
• Rolling: Roll evenly for consistent layers of cheese and herbs.
• Twisting: Keep cut sides up to show off the swirled effect.
• Egg wash: Brush lightly for golden shine without burning.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Short-term: Store cooled bread in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	240 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	310 mg
Cholesterol	55 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free. Can adapt to gluten-free or vegan versions.

Expanded Conclusion

The Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is the ultimate comfort food: soft, buttery, cheesy, and fragrant with garlic and herbs. Its swirled presentation not only tastes divine but also looks stunning, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in.

With this recipe, you can enjoy bakery-quality bread at home, customize it to your taste, and impress anyone at your table. Serve it warm, slice generously, and savor every cheesy, garlicky bite. Once you try it, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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