why make this recipe
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that brings the warmth and comfort of homemade baking into your kitchen. This bread is not just any loaf; it’s a flavorful mix of garlic, herbs, and cheese all swirled together. Whether you serve it at dinner, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it warm with butter, this bread is sure to impress everyone. Its wonderful aroma and golden color make it a perfect addition to any meal or a great snack on its own.
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 fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the room temperature butter and mix until combined, about 2-3 minutes. If the dough is still sticky, add ¼ cup of flour at a time until the dough becomes smooth and elastic to the touch.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, chopped garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 12 x 18 inches. Spread the garlic and herb butter evenly over the dough followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight. Pinch the edge to seal it when you reach the end.
- Cut the log of dough in half lengthwise, leaving a small section at one end intact. Twist the halves to expose the filling, crossing the dough ropes over each other until you have a long, twisted dough.
- Transfer carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm spot for another 45 minutes.
- After the second rise, uncover and brush the top of the dough with the remaining 2 tablespoons of salted butter and garlic powder.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the bread 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
Serve this delicious bread warm with a bit of butter on top. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side at dinner. You can also slice it for sandwiches or enjoy it as an appetizer with dips.
how to store Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
To store the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Slice the bread before freezing, then wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
tips to make Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
- Make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add more flour gradually.
- Be gentle when twisting the dough to keep all the delicious filling inside.
variation
Feel free to switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand or prefer. Other great additions could include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different types of cheese like mozzarella or feta.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice will mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Is it possible to make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough by hand until smooth.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and gives a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach about 190 degrees F.
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
A delightful blend of garlic, herbs, and cheese swirled into a warm, homemade bread, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
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 the room temperature buttermilk, instant yeast, granulated sugar, eggs, 3 ½ cups bread flour, and salt. Mix until incorporated.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and mix until combined. Add more flour if the dough is sticky.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Mix the remaining butter, chopped garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the garlic and herb butter and shredded cheddar cheese over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut it in half lengthwise, then twist the halves together.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
- Brush with the remaining butter and garlic powder, then bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with butter. Pairs well with soups, salads, or as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg