Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
