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Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

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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.

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

Instructions

  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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare 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.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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!

Notes

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.

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