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Irresistible Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe You Need to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute half with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (more if you love garlic like I do)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (you can swap with thyme or oregano)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Gruyère or mozzarella work beautifully too)

Instructions

  1. Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar together, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This step always reminds me of how Mama Lu watched her dough rise, patient and steady, trusting the process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
  3. Mix gently until the dough comes together, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this part—kneading is like a quiet conversation between you and your dough, just like those afternoons on the porch with Mama Lu’s hands guiding mine.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. While the dough is rising, prepare your garlic herb cheese filling. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and shredded cheese. This mix will be the soul of your bread—full of flavor and warmth.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface.
  7. Evenly spread the garlic herb cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the edges and then use a sharp knife to slice the log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the swirls inside.
  9. Twist the two halves around each other, keeping the cut sides facing up, then tuck the ends underneath to form a loaf shape.
  10. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly with a towel, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a bit of olive oil for a beautiful golden crust.
  12. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until it’s deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The smell at this point will take you right back to those kitchens filled with love and the scent of fresh bread.
  13. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the cheese set a bit and makes it easier to cut those perfect swirls.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/swirled-garlic-herb-and-cheese-bread/