Name: Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cups buttermilk, at room temperature; 2 ½ tsp instant yeast; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 3 ½–4 cups bread flour; 1 ¼ tsp salt; 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature (4 tbsp split between dough and filling, 2 tbsp for topping and brushing); 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups grated cheddar cheese; ½ cup fresh chopped basil; 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme; 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano; 2 tbsp salted butter, melted; ¼ tsp garlic powder

Ingredients

For the Dough

¾ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
2 ½ tsp instant yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3 ½–4 cups bread flour
1 ¼ tsp salt
6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature (4 tbsp split between dough and filling, 2 tbsp for topping and brushing)

For the Filling

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
½ cup fresh chopped basil
2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano

For the Topping

2 tbsp salted butter, melted
¼ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room temperature buttermilk, instant yeast, sugar, eggs, 3 ½ cups bread flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons room temperature butter and continue mixing for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add more flour a quarter cup at a time if the dough is sticky, until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
First rise: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot. Let it rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare garlic herb butter: While dough is rising, in a small bowl combine 4 tablespoons butter, finely chopped garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and oregano. Mix well.
Shape and fill the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the garlic herb butter mixture over the dough, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Form the swirl: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge closest to you into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the seam. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the loaf lengthwise in half, leaving one end intact. Twist and cross the halves, exposing the filling, to create a long twisted shape.
Second rise: Transfer the twisted dough carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
Apply topping and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the risen dough and brush the top with 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bread is cooked through.
Serve: Remove from oven and brush with extra butter if desired. Serve warm, ideally with salted butter for spreading.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better yeast activation and dough consistency.
Adjust flour amount as needed to achieve a smooth, elastic dough.
Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Fresh herbs can be substituted or adjusted according to preference.
Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze.

Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian