Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously soft and fluffy loaf infused with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a savory snack or side, this bread features a beautiful twisted swirl that combines rich garlic herb butter and gooey cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Add the eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Shape Dough: Roll the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with the garlic herb butter mixture and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Form the Swirl: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Then slice the log lengthwise, exposing the layers of filling. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upward to reveal the swirl pattern.
- Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased pan and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat and Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the large egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the top of the loaf to give it a golden and glossy finish when baked.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese melts beautifully within. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh active dry yeast and ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can customize the herbs based on your preference—thyme, parsley, or rosemary work well.
- This bread is delicious served warm and pairs wonderfully with soups or salads.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to restore freshness.
