Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously savory loaf perfect for sharing. Soft, buttery, and packed with garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, it’s a wonderful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups buttermilk at room temperature
• 2 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 1/2–4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for brushing and serving
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano
• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room temperature buttermilk, instant yeast, granulated sugar, eggs, 3 1/2 cups bread flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the room temperature butter and mix for another 2-3 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, add flour 1/4 cup at a time until smooth and elastic to the touch.
2. Step 2: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size. While the dough rises, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with chopped garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.
3. Step 3: Once risen, punch the dough down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the edges to seal.
4. Step 4: Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, leaving a small portion intact at one end. Turn the halves so the filling is exposed and twist the two dough ropes together, crossing them repeatedly to create a long twisted loaf.
5. Step 5: Transfer the twisted dough carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
6. Step 6: After the second rise, remove the plastic wrap and brush the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with the garlic powder.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic before mixing it into the butter.
• Try swapping the cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different taste.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs can be used instead.
• Make sure ingredients are at room temperature to help the yeast activate properly.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh, warm slices in a toaster oven or oven at low heat until heated through. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds tang and tenderness to the bread. If using regular milk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, following the same rising times.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously soft and flavorful twist on classic bread, filled with a savory blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and a generous mix of parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a tasty appetizer, this bread features a beautifully twisted design and a buttery, golden crust.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3/4 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature

Garlic Herb and Cheese Filling

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano

Topping

• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the buttermilk, instant yeast, sugar, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of bread flour, and salt. Using a dough hook, mix for about 4-5 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated. Add 2 tablespoons of the room temperature butter and mix for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, gradually add up to 1/2 cup more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. While waiting, prepare the garlic and herb butter mixture by combining the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with chopped garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.
3. Prepare the Dough for Filling: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the garlic and herb butter over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Form the Twist: Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edge to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, leaving one end intact. Turn the halves so the cheese filling is exposed, then carefully cross and twist the dough ropes over each other to create a spiral twist.
5. Second Rise: Transfer the twisted dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
6. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and brush the top of the bread with the melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
7. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, brush with additional butter while warm.

Notes

• Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for best yeast activation and dough texture.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if needed, but reduce quantities by half.
• Adding flour gradually helps control dough stickiness and ensures a perfect elasticity.
• The bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to restore freshness before serving.

Keywords: Garlic bread, cheese bread, herb bread, twisted bread, savory bread, homemade bread, parmesan, cheddar, garlic herb, buttermilk bread