Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful bake with a golden crust and a soft, airy interior. It features creamy ribbons of melted mozzarella, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh thyme, making every bite rich and satisfying. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped thyme, and ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
- Spread the garlic herb cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the filling.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cover the pan and let the bread rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops of the bread with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before mincing.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- If you don’t have mozzarella, sharp cheddar or provolone can be used.
- Ensure your water is the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg