Name: Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

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

1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large egg, lightly beaten

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Add the olive oil, beaten egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook or by hand until combined into a shaggy dough.

Step 3: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.

Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: While the dough is rising, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

Step 7: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 9×12 inch rectangle.

Step 8: Brush the entire surface with the garlic herb butter mixture, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 9: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and place the log, seam-side down, in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Step 10: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about an inch above the pan.

Step 11: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 12: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 13: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool for at least 15 more minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 110-115°F to activate the yeast properly.

Grate cheese fresh from blocks for better melt and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

If the top browns too quickly during baking, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Grease the loaf pan well with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. It usually requires mixing directly with the flour and bypassing the proofing step, but check the package instructions for best results.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.