Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is the ultimate cozy bake — soft, buttery, and loaded with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs. It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Perfect for serving with soups, pasta, or brunch spreads, this recipe is both approachable and impressive — a must-try for home bakers looking to create something special.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3½ cups all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp instant yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Garlic Herb Butter Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme mix)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Top (Optional):
1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.Make the Dough:
Stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.First Rise:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.Prepare Filling:
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, herbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until combined.Shape the Bread:
Roll dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella over top. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.Create the Swirl:
Slice the log lengthwise and twist the two halves together with cut sides up. Place in a greased loaf pan.Second Rise:
Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).Bake:
Brush the loaf with egg wash and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown. Tent with foil if it browns too quickly.Cool & Serve:
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra butter or dipping sauce.
Notes
For a softer crust, brush the baked loaf with melted butter while still warm.
You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise for easy make-ahead prep.
Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — just wrap tightly and reheat before serving.
Try swapping mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or Gruyère for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread, garlic bread recipe, cheesy pull-apart bread, homemade bread, cozy bake, savory bread loaf, herb butter bread