Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this swirled garlic herb and cheese bread! It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds—seriously! The rich flavors of garlic and herbs mix beautifully with the gooey cheese, creating a soft, pillowy loaf that’s just begging to be torn apart and shared. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aroma, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. This recipe is special to me because it’s perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night at home. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful swirled garlic herb and cheese bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
These simple ingredients come together to create that incredible flavor and texture you won’t be able to resist. Make sure to measure everything out ahead of time so you can dive right into the fun of baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Let’s get started on this delicious adventure! First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Give it a good stir to blend all those dry ingredients together. Now, here’s the fun part: make a little well in the center and pour in 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until it starts to come together into a shaggy dough.
Once it’s mixed, it’s time to knead! Dust your work surface with a sprinkle of flour and turn your dough out. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—trust me, it’s a great workout! If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but don’t go overboard. After kneading, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This part is magical!
Shaping the Bread
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into that beautiful loaf. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s all ready to go. Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out into a rectangle—about 12 inches by 18 inches is perfect. Now, here’s where the magic happens! Spread the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and both cheeses evenly over the dough. Don’t skimp on the filling; it’s what makes this bread so irresistible!
Now, carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, pinching the seams as you go to seal it in all that cheesy goodness. Once rolled, pinch the ends to secure the filling inside. Place your beautiful loaf into a greased loaf pan, seam side down, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps it become fluffy and light!
Baking the Bread
After that second rise, it’s showtime! Pop your loaf into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, it’s ready to come out! The smell will be absolutely divine, so get ready for some serious mouth-watering moments. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Trust me, the waiting is tough, but it’ll be worth it when you take that first warm slice!
Nutritional Information Section
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, so keep that in mind. Here’s a general breakdown for a typical slice of this delicious swirled garlic herb and cheese bread:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 1g
This bread is not only flavorful but also provides a nice balance of nutrients! Enjoy it as part of a meal or as a delightful snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Rich, flavorful garlic and cheese combination.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Versatile enough to complement any meal!
Tips for Success
To make the best swirled garlic herb and cheese bread, keep an eye on your dough texture—it should be smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If you find it a bit too wet, don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of flour while kneading. For baking, ensure your oven is fully preheated; this helps achieve that perfect golden crust! Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or some fresh herbs if you have them on hand. And remember, serving it warm makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
Variations
The beauty of this swirled garlic herb and cheese bread is its versatility! Feel free to switch up the herbs—try adding fresh rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different cheeses; goat cheese or cheddar could bring a delightful twist. Want to spice things up? A dash of chili powder or some sun-dried tomatoes can add a burst of flavor. Get creative and make it your own; the possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your swirled garlic herb and cheese bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delightful!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the bread denser, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. Adding a bit more warm water can help with the texture.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to old yeast or not enough warmth. Make sure your warm water isn’t too hot, as that can kill the yeast. Find a cozy spot in your kitchen for rising!
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and use a flax egg or applesauce instead of regular eggs if you’re using them in other recipes. The flavor will still be fantastic!
Can I add more garlic?
Definitely! If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more minced garlic to the filling for an extra punch. Just remember, it will intensify the flavor!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Garlic Butter Pasta!
Print
Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a delicious swirled garlic herb and cheese bread that combines rich flavors and a soft texture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread minced garlic, oregano, basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and pinch the ends to seal.
- Place the rolled dough in a greased loaf pan.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- You can add more herbs to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: swirled garlic herb and cheese bread
