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