Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this swirled garlic herb and cheese bread! It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds—seriously! The rich flavors of garlic and herbs mix beautifully with the gooey cheese, creating a soft, pillowy loaf that’s just begging to be torn apart and shared.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir to mix all dry ingredients well.
- Step 2: Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Step 6: Evenly spread the minced garlic, oregano, basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the dough.
- Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, pinching seams to seal the filling inside. Pinch the ends to secure.
- Step 8: Place the loaf seam side down into a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Keep the dough slightly tacky but not too sticky; add flour sparingly during kneading if needed.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to enhance the flavors.
- Try swapping dried herbs for fresh rosemary or thyme for a different twist.
- Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar for a unique flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Reheat by thawing at room temperature or warming in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour may make the bread denser, so you might need to add a little more warm water to adjust the texture.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
This could be due to old yeast or water that’s too hot. Use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) water, and place the dough in a warm, cozy spot to rise.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheese alternatives and substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce if needed. The flavor remains delicious.
Can I add more garlic?
Definitely! Increase the minced garlic in the filling for a stronger garlic flavor, but keep in mind it will intensify the taste.
Print
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Description
This swirled garlic herb and cheese bread is a warm, flavorful loaf featuring a soft, pillowy texture infused with aromatic garlic, dried herbs, and a gooey combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, this bread offers a deliciously cheesy and herby experience that is easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir well to blend the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center, then add 1 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little flour carefully. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, pinching seams and ends to seal the filling. Place the loaf seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool further.
- Serve: Slice warm and enjoy the cheesy, herby swirled bread either as a snack or alongside your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Keep the dough texture smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky; add flour if necessary while kneading.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- For added flavor, try red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the filling.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to a month.
- Reheat frozen bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore warmth and flavor.
- Substitute whole wheat flour if desired, noting it will produce a denser loaf and may require more water.
- Use plant-based cheeses to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: garlic bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, herbed bread, swirled bread, mozzarella, Parmesan, snack, baking, comfort food
