Print

Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, continuing to mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
  7. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 9×12 inch rectangle.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes, until it rises about an inch above the pan.
  11. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  12. Bake Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. 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