Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread is a warm, flaky loaf filled with fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This soft yet chewy bread features a beautiful signature swirl that combines savory flavors and a golden crust, perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer for any occasion.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for binding filling)
Topping
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
- Prepare the Dough: Start by activating the yeast in the warm water with a pinch of sugar until it bubbles lightly (about 5-10 minutes). In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, typically about 1 hour.
- Make the Garlic Herb Cheese Filling: While the dough is rising, mix freshly minced garlic with chopped herbs and shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and stir to bind, creating a flavorful, spreadable filling.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the garlic herb cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, pinch the seams to seal, and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Create the Signature Swirl: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the rolled dough lengthwise into two long strands. Twist these strands around each other, keeping the cut layers facing upward to reveal the swirl inside. Transfer the twisted dough into a loaf pan or shape it carefully on the baking tray.
- Final Rise and Bake: Cover the twisted loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes to rise slightly. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top lightly with olive oil or melted butter to encourage golden browning. Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese inside melts beautifully. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best robust flavor rather than pre-minced or powdered.
- Do not skip the final rise after shaping; it helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Spread the filling evenly to maintain consistent swirl layers and avoid dough tears.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help yeast activate properly and encourage good rise.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transferring the loaf easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, swirled bread, appetizer, snack, baked bread, homemade bread