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Ultimate Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews

This Ultimate Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread combines fluffy yeast dough with a rich, aromatic filling of garlic, fresh herbs, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly swirled and baked to golden perfection, it offers a delightful blend of buttery, cheesy, and herby flavors. Ideal for serving as a savory side, appetizer, or snack, this bread is irresistibly soft inside with a golden crust, enhanced by an optional buttery herb glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tsp salt (for dough)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature

Filling Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 ½ tsp dried)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ tsp salt (for filling)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Glaze and Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for glaze/garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes using the stand mixer on medium-low speed, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Lightly grease a clean bowl and transfer the dough into it, turning the dough to coat it evenly with oil. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm, draft-free spot to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
  5. Prepare the Aromatic Garlic Herb and Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, mince garlic and finely chop fresh parsley, chives, and oregano. Melt ½ cup unsalted butter. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, ½ tsp salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined and aromatic.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large 18×12 inch (45×30 cm) rectangle, about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick, preparing it for filling.
  7. Spread the Filling and Roll: Evenly spread the garlic herb and cheese mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ½-inch (1.25 cm) border clear along one long edge. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam firmly to seal it and place the log seam-side down.
  8. Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12-14 equal pieces, each about 1 to 1 ½ inches (2.5-4 cm) thick. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and arrange the sliced pieces cut-side up, fitting them snugly to form a pull-apart bread.
  9. Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the baking dish loosely and place it in a warm, draft-free spot for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have visibly puffed up and are touching each other, ensuring a soft, airy texture after baking.
  10. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the cover and bake the bread for 25-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbling. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  11. Optional Glaze and Serve: Immediately after baking, brush the bread top with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Let the bread cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before serving warm. Pull apart the swirled rolls and enjoy the rich melting flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot (105-115°F) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
  • You can substitute dried herbs for fresh if needed, but fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.
  • Use high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for the best flavor and melt.
  • If the bread browns too quickly in the oven, tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing the inside to cook fully.
  • This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore softness and melt cheese if stored.

Keywords: garlic herb cheese bread, swirled bread, pull apart bread, homemade bread, cheesy bread, garlic bread, herbed bread

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/ultimate-swirled-garlic-herb-cheese-bread-recipe/