Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread: A Flavorful Homemade Treat

There’s something magical about fresh-baked bread, especially when it’s infused with garlic, herbs, and melty cheese. This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich garlic butter spread and a generous blend of mozzarella and cheddar (or Parmesan) cheeses, all beautifully twisted into an irresistible loaf.

Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, or simply enjoyed on its own, this bread brings bakery-quality flavor into your kitchen with basic pantry ingredients. The swirled design not only looks impressive but also ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.

Follow along to bake this crowd-pleasing bread from scratch and enjoy the cozy aroma filling your home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Garlic Herb Cheese Filling:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a soft dough.
4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size — about 1 to 1½ hours.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Cheese Filling

• In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, oregano, basil, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

🔹 Step 3: Assemble the Bread

1. Once dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar (or Parmesan) evenly on top.
4. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise down the middle to create two long pieces.
6. Twist the two pieces around each other, keeping the cut sides facing up to show the swirls.
7. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan, tucking the ends under.

🔹 Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

1. Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

🔹 Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Slice and serve warm for the best cheesy, garlicky experience.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna.
• Pair with a fresh garden salad or hearty soup for a comforting meal.
• Enjoy as a flavorful snack with marinara sauce or olive oil dip.

💡 Tips for Perfect Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

• Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor, or substitute with high-quality garlic powder if needed.
• To get a crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
• For extra cheesy bread, sprinkle some additional cheese on top before baking.
• Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to keep the cheese from oozing out too much.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To keep longer, freeze the loaf wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or toast slices in a skillet for a fresh-baked taste.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this bread without cheese?

Yes, the garlic herb butter alone provides great flavor. You can also customize with other fillings like spinach or cooked bacon.

2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use about 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped oregano and basil.

3. How do I know when the bread is done?

It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

4. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, use the dough hook attachment and mix on medium speed for 6–8 minutes until elastic.

5. Can this dough be made ahead?

Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours and bring to room temperature before shaping.

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📝 Conclusion

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a showstopper with its aromatic garlic butter, fragrant herbs, and gooey cheese nestled inside soft homemade bread. It’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or anytime you want a fresh-baked treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible smells.

Give this recipe a try — your friends and family will be asking for seconds!