Name: Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup warm whole milk; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 large eggs; 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for serving; 1-2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Ingredients

3/4 cup warm whole milk

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

2 tablespoons honey

3 large eggs

3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

1 teaspoon kosher salt

6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for serving

1-2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, honey, eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour, and kosher salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter and continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is smooth to the touch.

Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic herb butter by combining the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and sage in a small bowl. Mix well.

Step 5: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough.

Step 6: Starting at the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edge to seal the seam.

Step 7: Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, leaving a small portion at one end connected. Turn the halves to expose the filling and twist the two ropes together, crossing them over each other until you have a long twisted dough.

Step 8: Coil one half of the twisted dough like a snake stopping halfway, then coil the other half in the opposite direction. Transfer the coiled dough carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 9: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

Step 10: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11: Remove the bread from the oven and brush the top with additional butter. Slice and serve warm, with extra butter if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic to 3 cloves, finely minced.

Try substituting fresh rosemary or oregano for some of the basil and thyme for a different herb profile.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand, though it may take a bit longer to get a smooth dough.

Use room temperature eggs and butter to help the dough come together more easily.

FAQs

Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast, but you will need about twice the amount (approximately 4.5 grams). Dissolve it in the warm milk before mixing with other ingredients.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but use about one-third the amount since they are more concentrated. Make sure to mix them into the butter well to distribute their flavor.