Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a warm, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a standalone treat. This bread is not only easy to make but also visually stunning with its beautiful swirls of garlic, herbs, and cheese. Ideal for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of garlic, herbs, and cheese creates a rich and aromatic experience.
• Versatile Pairing: Perfect with soups or salads, or enjoy it on its own as a snack.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this bread approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Beautiful Presentation: The swirled design makes it a standout at any table setting.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of baking fresh bread from scratch.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread, having the right tools is essential. With these handy kitchen gadgets, you’ll streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Dough hook
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort in mixing dough thoroughly.
• Dough hook: Ensures proper kneading for a smooth texture without manual labor.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out dough.
• Sharp knife: Provides clean cuts for shaping the bread without tearing.

Ingredients

A delightful bread infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese, swirled and baked to perfection.

Ingredients:
– ¾ cups buttermilk at room temperature
– 2 ½ tsp instant yeast
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 3 ½-4 cups bread flour
– 1 ¼ tsp salt
– 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature + more for brushing and serving
– ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– ½ cup fresh chopped basil
– 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
– 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano
– Topping: 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
– ¼ tsp garlic powder

How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the room temperature buttermilk, instant yeast, granulated sugar, eggs, 3 ½ cups bread flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated (about 4–5 minutes). Add in the room temperature butter and mix until combined (an additional 2–3 minutes). If the dough is sticky, gradually add flour until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Let it Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot to rise for about two hours or until doubled in size. While waiting, combine the remaining butter with chopped garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (12 x 18 inches). Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over it followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to form a log. Pinch along the edge to seal.

Step 4: Twist It Up

Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise while leaving one end intact. Turn both halves to expose the filling inside. Cross the halves over each other repeatedly until you form a twisted shape.

Step 5: Second Rise

Carefully transfer the twisted dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap again and let it rise in a warm area for another 45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake It

After rising again, brush melted butter mixed with garlic powder over the top of your dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30–35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Enjoy your homemade Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread warm right out of the oven!

How to Serve Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or snack, its rich flavors pair well with many meals.

With a Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bread. Toss mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette for a delightful pairing.

As an Appetizer

• Slice the bread into smaller pieces and serve warm with a side of marinara or garlic dipping sauce. This makes for a great starter at gatherings.

With Soup

• This bread complements hearty soups wonderfully. Try it alongside a creamy tomato soup or a classic minestrone for a comforting meal.

Toasted with Cheese Spread

• For an extra indulgent treat, toast slices of the bread and top them with your favorite cheese spread. The melted cheese enhances the savory flavors of the bread.

As a Snack

• Enjoy slices on their own as an afternoon snack. The garlic and herbs provide satisfying flavors that can curb hunger between meals.

How to Perfect Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

To achieve the best results with your Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread, keep these tips in mind for perfecting your baking technique.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother dough and better rise during baking.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This will ensure a fluffy texture in the final loaf.
• Watch the Rise: Allow enough time for both rises. Proper rising times help develop flavor and texture in the bread.
• Seal Well: When rolling up the dough, pinch the edges tightly to seal in all that delicious filling. This prevents it from leaking during baking.
• Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if it’s done; it should reach around 190°F internally for perfectly cooked bread.
• Brush with Butter: Brushing melted butter on top before baking adds flavor and gives the crust a beautiful golden finish.

Best Side Dishes for Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread pairs excellently with many side dishes, enhancing your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garden Salad: A mix of leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and your choice of dressing balances out this rich bread.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup: The acidity of tomato soup cuts through the richness of the bread, making it a perfect match.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal while complementing the flavors of the bread.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide hearty satisfaction alongside this delightful loaf.
5. Grilled Chicken Salad: Tender grilled chicken on top of fresh greens adds protein while pairing well with garlic herb flavors.
6. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables serves as an excellent main course option next to this flavorful bread.
7. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry brings crunch and brightness to each meal when served alongside this warm loaf.
8. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche filled with vegetables or cheese complements this bread beautifully for a brunch option or light lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home bakers struggle with making the perfect Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold measurement errors: Ensure you measure ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s consistency.
• Bold neglecting the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for texture. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size for the best results.
• Bold overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients come together and form a smooth dough.
• Bold not using room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can slow down yeast activation. Use room temperature eggs and butter for better incorporation.
• Bold skipping the second rise: The second rise is important for developing flavor and texture. Don’t skip it, as it makes your bread fluffier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap in plastic wrap for added freshness if desired.

Freezing Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

• Freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute with your favorite cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda, for a unique flavor twist.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free bread flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like traditional flour.

Can I add more herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with other herbs like rosemary or parsley according to your taste preferences.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that you’re allowing enough warmth for rising. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven.

Final Thoughts

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful addition to any meal. Its aromatic flavors and cheesy goodness will impress guests at dinner parties or family gatherings. Plus, you can easily customize it with different cheeses or herbs based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!