Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, buttery, pull-apart loaf bursting with melty mozzarella, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect easy recipe for a cozy gathering, a standout side for pasta, or simply one of your next delicious dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, a quick breakfast, or a homemade showstopper, this bread fits beautifully into any meal. It smells like a bakery and tastes like pure comfort—crispy edges, soft layers, cheesy swirls. Let this homemade bread be your new go-to for food ideas that impress without stress.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for garlic herb mixture)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
5. While the dough rises, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in fresh thyme and let cool.
6. Roll out the risen dough into a 9×14 inch rectangle. Brush with garlic herb butter and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella.
7. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Slice it in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
8. Twist the two halves with cut sides facing up and place into a greased loaf pan.
9. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
11. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
Let the dough rise until it has visibly doubled—don’t rush this step.
Use room-temperature cheese for better melting and even distribution.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: swirled cheese bread, garlic bread, easy bread recipe, savory bread, homemade cheese bread, breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, quick baking recipe