Zesty Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

Warm, aromatic herbs dance through soft bread dough as this incredible garlic herb and cheese bread recipe promises pure comfort.

Melted cheese creates golden pockets of deliciousness throughout each slice.

Sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs blend seamlessly in this simple yet stunning creation.

Fresh ingredients come together with surprising ease and minimal effort.

Home bakers will adore how quickly this bread transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The enticing aroma will draw everyone straight to the kitchen, eager to sample each warm, cheesy bite.

Serve this irresistible bread alongside soups, salads, or enjoy it all on its own for a truly satisfying experience.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Standout Features

• Master a stunning bread recipe that looks impressive but requires basic mixing and kneading techniques, perfect for home bakers wanting to level up their skills.
• Combine rich garlic, melted butter, multiple cheeses, and fresh herbs for a mouthwatering bread that transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences.
• Create a crowd-pleasing bread that works wonderfully as a side dish, appetizer, or stunning centerpiece for gatherings, guaranteed to impress both kids and adults.
• Enjoy a fun cooking adventure that allows creativity, provides hands-on experience, and results in a delicious homemade bread perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients for Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bread.
• Buttermilk: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb with subtle tangy flavor.
• Eggs: Contribute to the bread's richness and help bind the ingredients together.

• Active Dry Yeast: Enables the bread to rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with bread's browning and flavor development.

• Butter, Garlic, Fresh Herbs: Create a savory and aromatic filling that provides depth and complexity to the bread.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy element to the bread's swirled interior.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread and balances the other ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Provides an additional layer of garlic flavor when brushed on top.

Tools to Craft Swirled Herb Cheese Bread at Home

• Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Dough Hook: Crucial attachment for mixing and developing bread dough.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for supporting and baking the bread.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy bread removal.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing herb-butter and cheese filling.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps cover dough during rising stages.
• Rolling Pin: Needed to roll dough into perfect rectangle.
• Sharp Knife: Used for cutting log in half lengthwise.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying melted butter before baking.

Steps to Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Bliss

Step 1: Prepare Dough Powerhouse

Grab your stand mixer and dive into bread-making magic.

Combine buttermilk, yeast, sugar, eggs, flour, and salt.

Whip the mixture with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes until everything blends beautifully.

Drizzle in butter and continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes.

If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Kickstart Dough Rising

Wrap your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen.

Let the dough rest and rise for about 2 hours until it dramatically doubles in size.

• Softened butter
• Minced garlic
• Grated cheeses
• Chopped fresh herbs

Step 3: Roll Out Flavor Canvas

Gently roll the risen dough into a beautiful rectangular shape measuring 12×18 inches.

Generously spread the herb-butter mixture and sprinkle cheddar cheese across the surface.

Step 4: Create Stunning Bread Twist

Roll the dough into a long log, pinching the edges to seal.

Carefully slice the log lengthwise, keeping one end connected.

Cross the halves over each other to form an eye-catching twist.

Transfer the twisted loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Final Dough Rise

Cover the twisted bread with plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm space for 45 minutes, allowing the dough to become puffy and voluminous.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder.

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 350°F oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown.

The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Tips for Savory, Cheesy Swirled Bread

• Use stand mixer with dough hook to develop gluten and create smooth, elastic texture without overworking the dough.
• Place dough in warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven to ensure proper yeast activation and consistent rise.
• Pinch log ends tightly when rolling to prevent herb-butter mixture from leaking during baking.
• Line baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy bread removal without breaking delicate twisted shape.
• Apply melted butter and garlic powder before final baking to create rich, glossy, and flavorful crust.

Bread Style Twists for Cheese and Herb Lovers

• Gluten-Free Herb Cheese Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for structure. Maintain same mixing technique and herb-cheese filling.
• Vegan Swirled Bread: Substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk, eggs with flax eggs, butter with coconut oil. Use nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives for flavor.
• Whole Wheat Rustic Version: Swap half white flour with whole wheat flour for heartier texture. Add extra seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for nutty crunch.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bread Swap: Replace traditional flour with riced cauliflower and almond flour mixture. Keep herb and cheese blend for rich flavor profile.

Bread Serving Ideas for Family Meals

• Rustic Picnic Companion: Pack slices of this garlic herb bread alongside charcuterie board, fresh salads, or cold pasta dishes for a delightful outdoor meal.
• Soup's Perfect Partner: Serve warm, sliced bread alongside creamy tomato bisque, hearty vegetable soup, or rich chicken stew to soak up delicious broth.
• Breakfast Transformation: Toast thin slices and top with scrambled eggs, avocado spread, or cream cheese and smoked salmon for a gourmet morning experience.
• Wine Night Wonder: Cut into bite-sized pieces for elegant appetizer during cheese and wine gatherings, pairing beautifully with crisp white wines or light reds.

Keeping Swirled Cheese Bread Soft and Tasty

• Store bread in airtight container or sealed plastic bag for 3-4 days. Keep at cool room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.
• Wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Place in freezer bag for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Wrap bread in foil, warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Unwrap last 2-3 minutes to crisp exterior.
• Wrap bread slice in damp paper towel. Microwave 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed for warmth.

FAQs

• How difficult is this bread recipe?

This bread is moderately challenging, best suited for intermediate bakers with some bread-making experience. The process involves multiple steps like mixing dough, creating herb butter, rolling, and twisting technique.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar and parmesan are recommended for maximum flavor. These cheeses provide a robust, tangy taste that complements the garlic and herbs perfectly.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take about 10-12 minutes of consistent kneading to develop the gluten and achieve a smooth, elastic texture. Hand kneading requires more effort but works just as well.

Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade swirled garlic herb and cheese bread delivers intense flavor in every slice. Crusty exterior and tender interior showcase Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, promising a delightful culinary experience you will savor with each warm, aromatic bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Base

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 1/2–4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Cheese and Herbs

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Butter and Seasoning

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate yeast by blending buttermilk, sugar, and yeast in stand mixer. Allow mixture to foam for 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate eggs, flour, and salt into yeast mixture. Knead with dough hook for 4-5 minutes until elastic and smooth.
3. Gradually add softened butter while mixing, continuing to knead for additional 2-3 minutes until fully integrated.
4. Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover with kitchen towel. Allow to rise in warm environment for approximately 2 hours until volume doubles.
5. Prepare filling by combining softened butter, minced garlic, grated cheeses, and finely chopped herbs in separate mixing bowl.
6. Punch down risen dough and roll into rectangular shape measuring 12×18 inches on lightly floured surface.
7. Spread herb-butter mixture evenly across dough surface, sprinkle cheddar cheese generously.
8. Roll dough tightly from long side, creating compact cylindrical log. Seal edges by pinching.
9. Slice log lengthwise, keeping one end connected. Carefully twist sections over each other, creating intricate braided pattern.
10. Transfer twisted bread onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
11. Let bread rise again in warm location for 45 minutes until puffy and expanded.
12. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush bread surface with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder.
13. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F. Cool before slicing.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Properly: Ensure buttermilk is lukewarm to help yeast bloom correctly, preventing dense bread texture.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Add flour gradually to achieve soft, pliable dough that’s not too sticky or dry.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere, parmesan, or goat cheese for unique taste profiles.
• Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg