Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is a soft, fluffy loaf filled with savory garlic herb butter and melted cheese. It’s a perfect side to accompany pasta, soup, or to enjoy on its own as a flavorful snack.

Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
Step 2: Add the olive oil, beaten egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook or by hand until combined into a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: While the dough is rising, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Step 7: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 9×12 inch rectangle.
Step 8: Brush the entire surface with the garlic herb butter mixture, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 9: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and place the log, seam-side down, in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Step 10: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about an inch above the pan.
Step 11: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 12: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 13: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool for at least 15 more minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Ensure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is between 110-115°F to activate the yeast properly.
Grate cheese from blocks for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
If the top begins to brown too quickly during baking, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Grease the loaf pan with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use about 25% less instant yeast and add it directly to the flour without proofing it in water.

Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the garlic herb butter with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 59 reviews

Soft, fluffy bread swirled with savory garlic herb butter and loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread makes a perfect savory side dish for pasta, soup, or any meal needing a delicious, aromatic bread.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and bubbly, confirming the yeast is active.
Make Dough: Add olive oil, lightly beaten egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook or by hand until it forms a shaggy dough.
Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, continuing to mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 9×12 inch rectangle.
Apply Filling: Brush the dough surface with the garlic herb butter mixture, leaving a small border. Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the buttered dough.
Roll and Seal: Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and place seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes, until it rises about an inch above the pan.
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 15 more minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is between 110-115°F to activate yeast properly; the foamy top confirms activation.
Grate cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
If the bread top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Grease your loaf pan well with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Keywords: garlic herb cheese bread, swirled bread, cheesy bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, savory bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread