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Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
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Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a soft, flavorful loaf combining the rich aroma of garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, this bread features a tender texture and an irresistible swirl of garlic, herbs, and gooey cheese that enhances any meal or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Filling

  • 4–5 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme), chopped
  • 1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella and parmesan mix)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm water mixed with a pinch of sugar. Once it becomes frothy, combine it with flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead the mixture until you get a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when gently pressed.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This step ensures your bread will be airy and soft.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rests, mix finely minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and shredded cheese in a bowl. This combination will create the signature swirl that flavors every slice.
  4. Roll and Spread: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the garlic, herb, and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to distribute all the ingredients.
  5. Form the Swirl: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise to create a log, then cut it down the middle, exposing the layers. Twist the two strands around each other, with the filling side facing outward, and pinch the ends to seal.
  6. Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover and let it rise once more for 30–45 minutes to develop volume and tenderness.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing to keep all those flavors locked in.

Notes

  • Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Spread the garlic herb cheese mixture evenly for a balanced swirl in every bite.
  • Knead until the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky for ideal texture.
  • Cover the dough during rising with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Allow the bread to cool before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out and to keep neat slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, cheese bread, swirled bread, appetizer, snack, homemade bread, soft bread

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/swirled-garlic-herb-and-cheese-bread/