Let me tell you about my absolute favorite bread to make—swirled garlic herb and cheese bread! It’s a flavor-packed beauty that fills my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Just imagine golden-brown, crusty bread that, when sliced, reveals delightful swirls of garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey melted cheese. Trust me, it’s a showstopper! This bread has become a staple in my house, perfect for family dinners or as a special treat to impress guests. I love serving it warm with a bit of butter, or even toasting it for a crunchy snack. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd favorite. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking some swirled garlic herb and cheese bread!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious swirled garlic herb and cheese bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for that lovely richness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (like parsley, basil, and thyme—feel free to mix it up!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar works wonders)
(Tip: Fresh herbs really elevate the flavor, so don’t skimp on them!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making your very own swirled garlic herb and cheese bread! It’s easier than you might think, and the results are beyond rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying fresh, homemade bread in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Next, pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix it all together until a shaggy dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s perfectly okay!
- Time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Trust me, this step is crucial for that perfect texture!
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size—such a satisfying sight!
- After it’s risen, punch down the dough gently to release some air, and then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the minced garlic, chopped herbs, and shredded cheese evenly over the rolled-out dough. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long edges. Pinch the seams to seal it well.
- Place your rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. It’ll puff up beautifully!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice it up and get ready to bask in all that cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor: The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that’s totally addictive.
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers!
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, a snack, or even as a sandwich base—it’s delicious in every way!
- Impressive presentation: The beautiful swirls make this bread a stunning centerpiece for any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses or herbs to make it uniquely yours!
- Perfect for sharing: This loaf is sure to impress family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings.
Tips for Success
To ensure your swirled garlic herb and cheese bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a world of difference in flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your water is warm but not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise fully. If it’s not doubled, it won’t have that lovely airy texture. Patience is key!
- Knead Well: Kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough—feel free to channel your inner baker!
- Experiment with Fillings: While the garlic and cheese combo is a winner, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- Check for Doneness: The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If it’s not, give it a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing. This helps maintain that perfect texture and prevents it from getting gummy.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of swirled garlic herb and cheese bread, and I can’t wait for you to taste the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this swirled garlic herb and cheese bread! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with each slice. Here’s what you can expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
This bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it also brings some nutrition to your table! Enjoy every slice knowing you’re indulging in something that’s both delicious and satisfying.
FAQ Section
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor, dried herbs can work well in a pinch. Just remember to use less since they’re more concentrated—about one-third of the amount should do the trick!
What cheese works best for swirled garlic herb and cheese bread?
I love using mozzarella for its melty goodness, but cheddar brings a nice sharpness too. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! A mix of cheeses can also create wonderful flavors.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Great question! You’ll want to look for a beautiful golden-brown crust. Additionally, if you tap the bottom of the loaf and it sounds hollow, it’s good to go! If it’s still a bit soft, just pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before baking. This way, you’ll have fresh bread ready for the next day!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover swirled garlic herb and cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature or reheat directly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delightful swirled garlic herb and cheese bread and enjoyed it fresh, you might be wondering how to best store any leftovers. No worries! This bread can be kept delicious for days.
To store your leftover swirled garlic herb and cheese bread, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just slice it up before freezing for easy access later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, here’s how to reheat it for the best taste: If you’re reheating from room temperature, pop a slice in the toaster or a hot skillet for a few minutes until it’s warm and slightly crispy. If it’s frozen, you can either let it thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat it straight from the freezer. Just bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You’ll be amazed at how it brings back that lovely, fresh-baked flavor!
Print
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread: 10 Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful bread with swirls of garlic, herbs, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread minced garlic, herbs, and cheese evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Adjust cheese type to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: swirled garlic herb and cheese bread
