Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously soft, aromatic loaf featuring a rich garlic herb butter and melted mozzarella cheese swirl. Perfect as a savory snack or a side for your meals, this bread combines fragrant fresh herbs with gooey cheese in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf, approximately 10-12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add eggs, softened butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the ingredients together until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and remove from heat. Set aside.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Evenly brush the garlic herb butter over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly on top.
- Form Bread Swirl: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it lengthwise down the middle. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upward to reveal the cheese and herb swirl.
- Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased baking pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat Oven and Apply Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, beat the large egg with a tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Brush this over the top of the dough for a glossy finish.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but reduce quantity by half.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing excessively.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.
