Introduction

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a deliciously aromatic treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a flavorful garlic herb butter and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a side or a snack, it’s sure to impress with its beautiful twisted appearance and rich taste.

A loaf of pull-apart bread showing many tight, rolled layers of soft dough filled with melted white cheese and green herbs. The top is golden brown and looks crispy with a sprinkling of more herbs baked into the crust. The bread has a fluffy, tender inside with multiple curved layers revealing cheesy and herb filling in each. It sits on a wooden board with a soft focus background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add the eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
Step 3: While the dough rises, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, then set aside.
Step 4: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Brush it evenly with the garlic herb butter and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 5: Roll the dough into a log. Slice the log lengthwise, then twist the two halves with the cut sides facing up to reveal the swirled filling.
Step 6: Place the twisted dough in a greased pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush it evenly over the dough. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool the bread for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter.
Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different taste.
If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs instead, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Make it ahead and freeze before the second rise; thaw and bake when ready to enjoy fresh bread anytime.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread after it has fully cooled, wrapped well to prevent freezer burn, and thaw at room temperature before reheating. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its fresh-baked texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a sliced garlic bread loaf. The bread has several layers: the outer crust is golden brown and crispy with a glistening, slightly oily texture, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Inside, the soft dough layers are white and fluffy, swirled with a creamy garlic butter filling mixed with finely chopped herbs. The loaf is placed on a wooden board, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use slightly less, about 2 teaspoons, and add it directly to the dry ingredients. You may not need to proof it in warm milk first.

What herbs work best for this bread?

Fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary are great options for this recipe. They complement the garlic and cheese beautifully. Feel free to mix herbs or try others like basil or oregano based on your preference.