Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Ready to take your homemade bread game to the next level? This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is everything you love in one loaf: soft, fluffy dough filled with buttery garlic, fragrant herbs, and melty layers of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s perfect as a savory snack, a side for dinner, or even a cheesy breakfast on the go. With its impressive twisted appearance and irresistible flavor, this bread is as eye-catching as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually simple to make. The garlic-herb filling adds a punch of flavor, while the cheeses melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness. It’s a showstopper that works for everyday meals or special occasions alike.

• Flavor-packed garlic herb butter

• Melted mozzarella and cheddar in every slice

• Stunning swirl and braided look

• Great make-ahead bread for guests or gatherings

• Beginner-friendly yeast dough

• Versatile: snack, side, or savory breakfast

• Uses common pantry ingredients

• Warm, cheesy comfort food

• Soft and fluffy texture

• Vegetarian-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for filling)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

3. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Make garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Set aside.

5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

6. Add the filling: Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.

7. Roll and twist: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log lengthwise down the center to expose the layers, then twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up.

8. Second rise: Place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rise again for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

9. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf is cooked through.

10. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 8 slices).
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for some heat.

• Different Cheeses: Try provolone, gouda, or fontina for variety.

• Dried Herbs: Use 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley and basil if fresh herbs aren’t available.

• Garlic-Lovers: Roast the garlic first for a mellow, sweet flavor.

• Egg Wash Finish: For a shinier crust, brush with a beaten egg before baking.

• Pull-Apart Style: Slice dough into strips and layer like a pull-apart loaf.

• Pesto Version: Use basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto instead of herb butter.

• Whole Wheat Dough: Swap up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

• Stuffed Loaf: Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.

• Mini Loaves: Divide dough to make individual swirled rolls or mini loaves.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds.
To refresh frozen slices, thaw first, then warm in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough or bread dough can be used in place of homemade.

Do I have to twist the dough?

Twisting gives it a beautiful swirl and texture, but you can also roll it into a log and bake it whole.

What’s the best way to roll the dough evenly?

Use a lightly floured surface and a rolling pin, rolling from the center outwards for even thickness.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, though freshly shredded cheese melts better and has fewer additives.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The loaf should be golden on top and sound hollow when tapped. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read about 190°F.

Can I bake this in a round pan?

Yes, a round cake pan or cast iron skillet works well for a rustic shape.

Can I use different herbs?

Absolutely—try oregano, thyme, rosemary, or chives based on your preference.

How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Avoid overfilling, and roll the dough tightly to seal in the filling.

What’s the best way to serve this bread?

Serve it warm as a side for pasta, soup, or salad—or on its own with marinara or garlic dip.

Conclusion

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that makes a lasting impression—with its gooey cheese, aromatic herbs, and golden, twisted crust, it’s guaranteed to be a hit every time. Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself on a cozy evening, this homemade loaf is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite bread recipe.