Why Make This Recipe
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightfully flavorful bread that combines the rich taste of garlic, a medley of fresh herbs, and two types of cheese. This bread not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also makes for a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside soups, salads, or simply enjoying it on its own, this bread is sure to please everyone. Its soft, fluffy texture and savory filling are a treat for bread lovers and a fun baking project for those learning the ropes in the kitchen.
How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- ¾ cups buttermilk at room temperature
- 2 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 ½-4 cups bread flour
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature + more for brushing and serving
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup fresh chopped basil
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano
- Topping: 2 tbsp salted butter, melted, ¼ tsp garlic powder
Directions:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room temperature buttermilk, instant yeast, granulated sugar, eggs, 3 ½ cups bread flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the room temperature butter and mix until combined, about another 2-3 minutes. If the dough is still sticky, add ¼ cup of flour at a time until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, chopped garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface, creating a large rectangle about 12 x 18 inches.
- Spread the garlic and herb butter mixture evenly over the dough, then layer the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight. Pinch the edge to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log of dough in half lengthwise, leaving a small portion at one end intact. Turn the halves to expose the filling. Cross and twist the dough ropes until you have a long, twisted shape.
- Carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for another 45 minutes.
- After the second rise, uncover and brush the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of salted butter and garlic powder.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
How to Serve Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
This bread is best served warm. You can slice it and enjoy it with a pat of butter or pair it with your favorite soup or salad. It also makes an excellent side for pasta dishes. For a fun twist, serve it as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Store Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy again, simply thaw and warm it in the oven.
Tips to Make Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
- Make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps the dough rise better.
- If you want a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more chopped garlic to the filling.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can also be used, but fresh herbs give a brighter taste.
Variation
You can customize this bread with different cheeses or herbs based on your preference. Ingredients like feta cheese, mozzarella, or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes can add different flavors. Experiment with what you enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.
2. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just dissolve it in warm water with a little sugar for about 5 minutes before adding it to the mixture.
3. How can I make the dough rise faster?
To speed up the rising process, you can turn on your oven to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off. Place the dough inside; the warm environment will help it rise faster.
Enjoy making your Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread, and savor the delicious results!
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightfully flavorful bread combining garlic, fresh herbs, and two types of cheese, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- ¾ cups buttermilk at room temperature
- 2 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 ½-4 cups bread flour
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature + more for brushing and serving
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup fresh chopped basil
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano
- Topping: 2 tbsp salted butter, melted, ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine buttermilk, instant yeast, sugar, eggs, 3 ½ cups bread flour, and salt. Mix with the dough hook for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 2 tbsp butter and mix until combined. If sticky, add more flour ¼ cup at a time until smooth.
- Cover and let the dough rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.
- While rising, mix remaining butter, garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and oregano in a bowl.
- Once risen, punch down and roll out into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the garlic herb butter over the dough and layer cheddar cheese on top.
- Roll into a log from the long edge, pinching to seal, then cut in half lengthwise.
- Twist the dough halves to expose the filling and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, brush with remaining butter and garlic powder, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, soups, or salads. Can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American