Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a savory, soft, and aromatic loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. With its beautifully swirled layers of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese, this bread offers a deliciously rich flavor in every bite. The soft, fluffy texture combined with the golden, crispy crust makes it perfect to serve with soups, salads, or as a standout appetizer. It’s a great way to bring the comforting aromas of freshly baked bread with a savory twist right into your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread combines the best elements of homemade bread, garlic butter, and cheese into one irresistible loaf. The swirls of cheesy goodness throughout the bread melt perfectly as it bakes, while the garlic and herbs infuse the dough with amazing flavor. Plus, it’s visually stunning, with its beautiful swirled appearance making it perfect for serving at gatherings or as a special homemade treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this bread is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)

• 1/4 cup milk (any type)

For the Garlic Herb Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melty cheese of your choice)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and milk, and stir until the dough comes together.

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough if you prefer.

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Garlic Herb Filling:

• While the dough is rising, make the garlic herb filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

4. Shape the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.

• Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

• Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the garlic butter layer.

5. Roll and Shape the Bread:

• Starting from one edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

• Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it and tuck the ends under to form a loaf.

• Slice the loaf lengthwise, exposing the layers of garlic, herbs, and cheese. Twist the two halves together to form a swirled shape, being careful to keep the exposed layers facing up.

• Transfer the twisted loaf to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, or place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the ends are tucked under.

6. Let the Dough Rise:

• Cover the shaped loaf with a towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.

7. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

• For a crispier crust, you can place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm. Enjoy the delicious, cheesy, garlicky goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours for rising)

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 2.5-3 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Add Fresh Herbs: If you prefer fresh herbs, swap the dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil. Fresh herbs can be added to both the garlic butter and the cheese layers for a more fragrant flavor.

• Add Bacon: For a savory twist, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese filling for added flavor and texture.

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter for a subtle spicy kick.

• Stuff with More Cheese: Layer in your favorite cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a gooey, cheesy experience.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to bring back its crispy crust. You can also microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes! If you have a bread machine, you can use it to mix and knead the dough. Follow the machine’s instructions for adding the ingredients and use the dough cycle for the rising step. Then, proceed with the shaping and baking steps as usual.

2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour for this recipe. Bread flour will result in a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour will still work well and give you a delicious loaf.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after the first rise. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

4. How can I make the crust extra crispy?

To get a crispier crust, you can bake the bread in a preheated pizza stone or cast-iron pan, which helps create a crisp bottom. You can also brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking for added crispness.

5. Can I freeze this bread?

Yes! Once the bread is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

6. Can I add other fillings to this bread?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like caramelized onions, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor. Just make sure not to overload the dough so it still rolls up easily.

7. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is designed for bread to replace the regular flour. You may need to adjust the amount of water and yeast slightly depending on the flour blend.

Conclusion

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful and flavorful bread that is sure to wow your guests and elevate any meal. With its layers of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese, this bread is perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving as a side dish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a gorgeous loaf that tastes just as amazing as it looks. Enjoy the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread in your kitchen today!