How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread

Master the Perfect Dough Foundation

Create a soft yet sturdy dough that can support fillings while maintaining a tender crumb.

Perfect the Herb-Butter Distribution

Apply compound butter evenly for consistent flavor throughout each slice.

Execute the Precision Cut Technique

Make a clean lengthwise cut to expose beautiful layers without losing filling.

Master the Artful Twist Method

Carefully twist dough halves while maintaining the exposed filling-side orientation for maximum visual impact.

Baking Tips

For best results, make sure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

The herbs can be adjusted based on what you have available - just aim for about 1/2 cup total of fresh herbs.

For a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the butter mixture.

If you don't have all the fresh herbs, you can substitute dried herbs at one-third the amount (1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried).

For a more pronounced cheese pull, use at least 50% mozzarella in your cheese blend.

The dough can be prepared and filled the day before - after shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

For individual servings, cut the rolled log into 12 pieces and place them in a muffin tin, cut side up, reducing baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread

Name: Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 1 large loaf (12 servings)
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Ingredients: For the bread dough:; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed; 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg, room temperature; For the garlic herb filling:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the cheese filling:; 2 cups shredded cheese blend (such as mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan); 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping; For the topping:; 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing after baking; Flaky sea salt (optional)

A visually stunning loaf featuring beautiful swirls of herb-garlic butter and melted cheese throughout a soft, pillowy bread. This showstopping Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread combines the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread with the irresistible flavors of garlic, herbs, and gooey cheese. Each slice reveals an artistic pattern of vibrant green herbs and golden cheese ribbons woven throughout the loaf. Perfect for sharing at dinner parties, alongside pasta dishes, or simply enjoying with a bowl of soup.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

3H30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the bread dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg, room temperature

For the garlic herb filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the cheese filling:

2 cups shredded cheese blend (such as mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan)

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping

For the topping:

1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing after baking

Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix briefly to combine.

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Whisk until well combined.

With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms, about 2 minutes.

Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.

While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic herb filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, all herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside at room temperature.

When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18 x 12 inches.

Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the herb butter.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal.

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces with exposed layers.

With the cut sides facing up, carefully twist the two pieces around each other, maintaining the cut sides up as much as possible to expose the beautiful layers.

Transfer the twisted loaf to a parchment-lined 9x5-inch loaf pan, tucking the ends under if necessary to fit. Alternatively, form into a circular shape and place in a 9-inch round cake pan.

Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and flaky sea salt if desired.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Remove from the oven and brush the hot bread with melted butter. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least another 20 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb & Cheese Bread

Ingredients

Instructions