Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful blend of savory garlic, aromatic herbs, and gooey cheese, perfect for any occasion. Experience the warm, comforting aroma and taste that will bring everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, warm ¾ cup of milk to 110°F (45°C). This temperature is crucial; too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will not activate it. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm to the touch but not hot.
- Pour the warm milk into the dry ingredients along with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. It should come together but may be a bit sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring back when poked gently. Avoid adding too much flour; this can result in a dense loaf.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential for developing flavor and texture.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing 4 tablespoons of softened butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Set this aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of either shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the herb mixture. Be generous for maximum cheesy goodness!
- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal, and then tuck the ends under to create a nice shape.
- Place the rolled dough seam side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage helps the flavors settle.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: One common mistake is not letting the dough rise long enough. If it hasn’t doubled in size, your bread will be dense. Be patient! Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you have one; it saves time and effort when kneading the dough.