Description
Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a fragrant and flavorful yeast bread featuring a rich swirl of garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Soft and buttery on the inside with a golden crust, this bread is perfect served warm with extra butter for an indulgent treat at any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough 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
Garlic Herb Filling
- 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
- Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine warm whole milk, instant yeast, honey, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and kosher salt. Mix until the flour is fully incorporated and a dough begins to form, about 4-5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter and continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes. If the dough remains sticky, gradually mix in up to an additional 1/2 cup flour until the dough is smooth to the touch.
- First Rise: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with grated garlic, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, thyme, and sage in a small bowl until well combined.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 12 by 18 inches. Evenly spread the prepared garlic herb butter over the dough surface.
- Form the Log: Starting with the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edge to seal the dough completely.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise in half, stopping near one end so the two halves remain attached. Turn each half to expose the garlic herb filling, then cross the dough halves over each other and repeatedly twist to form a long twisted rope.
- Coil and Second Rise: Coil one half of the twisted rope into a snake shape stopping at the midpoint, then coil the remaining rope in the opposite direction, forming a coiled loaf. Place the loaf carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes in a warm spot.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
- Finish: Remove the bread from the oven and brush the top with additional melted butter. Slice and serve warm with extra butter if desired.
Notes
- The dough may require a little more or less flour depending on humidity; add gradually to avoid a dry dough.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain structure, though it is best enjoyed warm.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Herb Bread, Swirled Bread, Homemade Bread, Parmesan Herb Bread, Twisted Bread, Yeast Bread
