There’s something truly nostalgic about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through my kitchen. It takes me back to the days spent in my grandma’s kitchen in Asheville, rolling out dough with my tiny five-year-old hands. I remember the mess I made with flour scattered everywhere, but the glorious outcome was always worth it.
Nowadays, in my own bakery, Sweet Magnolia, I love putting that same joy and aroma into my creations, especially with recipes like Swirled garlic Herb Cheese Bread.
A delightful twist on traditional bread, it combines the rich flavors of garlic, a medley of herbs, and creamy cheese for an irresistible loaf. Each slice of this bread is a tribute to those imperfectly perfect dough days, a testament to how a swirl of flavor can transform a simple loaf into a masterpiece.
So, let me take you through this delightful recipe, and hopefully, you can incorporate this little piece of joy into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The buzz around Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is no accident. You’ll adore this recipe for its heavenly blend of flavors, each bite delivering a perfect harmony of savory cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings or making any meal feel special.
Plus, its mesmerizing swirl not only looks impressive but ensures you get a taste of everything in each slice. It’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich base, or paired with your favorite soup, this bread elevates any dining experience. The aroma alone will make your kitchen the most inviting room in the house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is its versatility. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences. For a different cheese profile, try sharp cheddar or gouda in place of mozzarella.
Add a hint of heat by mixing in some chili flakes or substitute butter with vegan varieties to make it plant-based. For a gluten-free option, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Experimenting with different fresh or dried herbs is another excellent way to personalize the flavor to your liking. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Let it rest in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
3. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a small bowl.
4. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 9×13 inches. Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Starting from one of the shorter sides, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
6. Cover the loaf and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tip: For a glossy crust, brush the top with a little melted butter once it’s out of the oven.
Pro Tips for Success
Choose high-quality cheese for the best flavor outcome. Room temperature ingredients mix more uniformly, resulting in better dough consistency. Allow the dough the patience it needs for a full rise; this ensures a light and airy bread.
Always make sure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast will not give the Bread the lift it needs. Lastly, don’t overstuff with filling, as tempting as it might be. This will prevent the dough from sealing properly.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store your Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This delightful Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread pairs beautifully with an array of dishes. Serve it alongside hearty soups, like tomato basil or minestrone, to soak up every last drop. It makes a splendid accompaniment for salads, adding substance and flavor.
Use it for gourmet sandwiches, perhaps filled with grilled vegetables or roasted chicken. Or simply enjoy it on its own, each slice a perfect snack.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before rolling out and adding the filling.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work well, too. Use half the amount the recipe calls for when substituting dried for fresh.
Can I add different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Cheddar and gruyere can provide a different but delightful flavor profile.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread, combining the rich flavors of garlic, herbs, and creamy cheese for an irresistible loaf. It's perfect for family gatherings, gourmet sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
3 ¼ cups All-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) Active dry yeast
2 tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Warm water (110°F)
3 tablespoons Olive oil
2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon Fresh thyme, chopped
1 ½ cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Let it rest in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about 1 hour, until doubled in size
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a small bowl
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 9×13 inches. Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Starting from one of the shorter sides, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Place seam-side down in a greased loaf pa
- Cover the loaf and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped
- Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing
Notes
For a glossy crust, brush the top with a little melted butter once it’s out of the oven.
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30-35 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 431mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg