Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade treat that combines fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese all rolled into a soft, golden loaf. Perfect as a snack or a side, this bread is sure to impress with its beautiful swirls and savory taste.

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, 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 smooth.
4. Step 4: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
6. Step 6: Spread minced garlic, herbs, and cheese evenly over the dough.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly and pinch the edges to seal.
8. Step 8: Place the rolled dough in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs for better flavor and aroma.
• Try different cheeses like gouda or fontina for a distinct taste.
• For extra garlic punch, sauté the garlic before spreading it on the dough.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness and melt the 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. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with the flour.

Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 117 reviews

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf combining aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey melted cheese. This Italian-inspired bread is perfect for serving with soups, salads, or as a tasty snack. Soft on the inside with a golden crust, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic savory bread with an easy baking method.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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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 Ingredients

• 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 the flour, instant yeast, and salt thoroughly to prepare the base for your dough.
2. Add liquids and form dough. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring until the mixture comes together into a rough dough.
3. Knead the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure.
4. First rise. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape and fill. Punch down the risen dough, roll it out into a rectangle shape on a floured surface. Evenly spread the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese over the dough’s surface.
6. Form the loaf. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then pinch the edges and ends to seal the filling inside, preventing leaks during baking.
7. Second rise. Place the rolled dough seam side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is melty and slightly bubbly.
9. Cool and serve. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack before slicing. This resting helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme for the best and brightest flavor.
• Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar or any other favorite melting cheese.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
• For a crustier loaf, bake on the middle oven rack without a lid and place a pan of water below to create steam.

Keywords: swirled garlic herb and cheese bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, cheesy bread, herb bread