Description
This irresistible swirled garlic herb and cheese bread delight combines soft, fluffy bread dough with a rich garlic herb butter and melty mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory snack or a flavorful side for meals, this bread features aromatic herbs and gooey cheese swirls that will captivate your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Dough
- 250 g bread dough (homemade or store-bought)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (clarified butter recommended for deeper flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or basil as substitute)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone for variety)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Place the bread dough in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, ensuring a light and airy texture for the bread.
- Roll Out: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface, gently punch it down to release excess air, and roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick, preparing it for the garlic herb layering.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and basil to create a fragrant and flavorful spread.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the garlic herb butter over the rolled-out dough, making sure to avoid the edges so the dough can be rolled properly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered dough, adding Parmesan cheese if desired for extra tang and richness.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then slice it into thick swirled pieces approximately 2 inches wide to showcase the cheese and herb filling in each piece.
- Arrange in Pan: Grease a baking dish and arrange the swirled slices inside, leaving some space between them to allow further rising during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, with melted cheese bubbling.
- Serve: Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before pulling apart and serving, revealing the deliciously gooey and aromatic interior.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone cheese for mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Using clarified butter enhances the butter’s flavor and prevents burning during spreading.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be used but use less as they are more concentrated.
- The bread dough can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Allowing the bread to cool slightly helps the cheese set and makes it easier to pull apart.
