Description
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a soft, buttery homemade loaf filled with gooey melted cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. This pull-apart style bread is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or for soaking up soups and sauces.
Ingredients
-
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 43°C / 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Herb Butter Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little extra flour as needed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix the garlic herb butter: in a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, and salt.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
- Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the layers, then twist the two halves together to create a swirl pattern.
- Transfer the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan, tucking the ends under if needed.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with extra herbs if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
- Can be made ahead — refrigerate the shaped loaf before baking and bake fresh the next day.
- This bread freezes well; reheat in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Bread / Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American