Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

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Golden, pillowy, and irresistibly aromatic, this Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is everything your bread dreams are made of. Picture soft, buttery layers wrapped around gooey mozzarella and infused with the punch of fresh garlic and a sprinkle of herby goodness. Every slice unravels into cheesy, garlicky bliss—perfect on its own or next to a hearty pasta dish.

Whether you’re baking it as a centerpiece for a dinner party or just looking to treat yourself to a loaf of comfort, this bread offers both simplicity and show-stopping appeal. The beautiful swirls, the golden crust, and the cheesy melt make it feel artisan, yet it’s surprisingly easy to create in your home kitchen.

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What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread?

Mozzarella is a no-fail choice for its melty, stretchy texture, but feel free to experiment. Fontina brings a creamy sharpness, cheddar adds a punch, and provolone holds up well for layered bakes. You can even mix two kinds for depth. Just be sure it melts well and complements the savory herbs and garlic.

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Ingredients for the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Bread Dough – You want a soft, enriched dough with a bit of sweetness and elasticity, perfect for holding layers without being too dense.

Mozzarella Cheese – Provides the signature pull and creamy richness in every swirl. Shredded or thin slices work best.

Fresh Garlic – Adds sharp, earthy depth and turns golden when baked. Don’t skip it!

Butter – A generous spread of unsalted butter brings richness and ensures every bite is flavorful and moist.

Fresh Herbs (like Thyme, Parsley, or Rosemary) – These add an aromatic freshness and a hint of color to the finished loaf.

Egg Wash – Just one egg whisked with a splash of water helps the crust bake to a beautiful golden brown.

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How To Make the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit until foamy (about 10 minutes). Add in softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add finely minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh herbs. Let this mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush generously with the garlic herb butter, then sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 4: Shape and Swirl

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the long edge. Slice the log lengthwise to expose the cheesy layers, then twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Transfer the shaped loaf to a greased loaf pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for about 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until deeply golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese settle and makes slicing neater. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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How to Serve and Store Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

This bread is at its absolute best warm from the oven when the cheese is still molten and the crust is perfectly crisp. Slice it thick and serve with soups, pastas, or even alongside a charcuterie board. It also makes an epic grilled cheese sandwich base if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

To store, wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it in slices for easy toasting. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to bring back the crisp edges and gooey center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

It should feel smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. A good test is the “windowpane test”—stretch a small piece of dough; if it stretches thin without tearing, it’s ready.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs do offer more brightness and color, though.

What other cheese combinations work?

Try mozzarella with fontina or add a touch of parmesan for depth. Just make sure whatever you use melts well and doesn’t overpower the garlic and herbs.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.

Why slice the log and twist it?

This technique exposes the cheesy, buttery layers and creates a beautiful visual swirl. It also helps distribute the filling more evenly throughout the loaf.

Is it okay to skip the egg wash?

You can, but you won’t get that deep golden, glossy finish. The egg wash adds a beautiful sheen and helps the crust develop color.

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Want More Bread Ideas?

If this Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread got you inspired, you’ll love baking these too:

• Homemade Naan Bread for soft and fluffy tear-apart bites.
• Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread for a sweet and savory holiday twist.
• Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs if you’re craving something quick and cheesy.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes to pair alongside your homemade bread.
• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies for a comforting, herby dinner plate.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can bake it again and again.

And I’d love to know how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add different cheeses? Maybe toss in sun-dried tomatoes?

Comment below with your tweaks, results, or questions. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Looking for more cozy bakes and flavor-packed twists? Check out my Pinterest board for daily recipes: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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