Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

INTRODUCTION

Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread is a delightful recipe that combines fluffy bread with rich flavors. Imagine opening your oven to find a loaf that is golden brown on the outside, with a soft, cheesy interior, and the fragrant aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs filling your kitchen. It’s not just a bread; it’s a treat that can elevate any meal. This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet it impresses those who have a lot of baking experience.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the combination of garlic, cheese, and herbs creates a fantastic taste that is hard to resist. Each bite is filled with gooey cheese and flavorful garlic, making it perfect for any occasion. Second, the technique of swirling the cheese and herbs into the dough not only looks amazing but also adds to the flavor profile. Lastly, this bread is versatile. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side for your main course, or just enjoy it on its own, it is sure to please everyone at the table.

HOW TO MAKE Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Making this bread is an enjoyable process that anyone can master. By following some easy steps, you can create a delicious loaf that is perfect for sharing.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread, you will need a few kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Rolling pin
• Loaf pan
• Oven
• Oven mitts
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 head of garlic, roasted
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley and basil), chopped
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will be the base for your bread.

2. Prepare the Dough: Gradually add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything together. Knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Let the Dough Rise: Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and allow it to rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size.

4. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly.

5. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

6. Add the Filling: Spread the roasted garlic evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs over the garlic. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly.

7. Roll the Dough: Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Be careful not to tear the dough as you roll.

8. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Take a greased loaf pan and place the rolled dough inside, seam side down.

9. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for another 30 minutes. This will help it become fluffy and light.

10. Brush with Butter: After it has risen, gently brush the top with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This will give the bread a nice golden color as it bakes.

11. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown on top.

12. Cool Down: Once baked, carefully take the loaf out of the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm!

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this Recipe

HOW TO SERVE Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

This bread is best served warm. You can slice it and serve it on its own, or accompany it with some olive oil for dipping. It also pairs well with soups or salads. For a fun twist, you can toast the slices for a crispy texture. The flavors are versatile, making it a great addition to any meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

To store your leftover bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a plastic freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven to bring back its fresh taste.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some suggestions:

• Serve it as an appetizer at a gathering with a dipping sauce.
• Slice it and use it to make mini sandwiches.
• Pair it with a rich and creamy soup like tomato basil or potato leek.
• Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to change this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar, feta, or gouda for a unique flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the Herbs: Experiment with different herbs. Thyme or rosemary can also add great flavors.

FAQs

What is the best way to roast garlic?

To roast garlic, cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. However, you need to activate it in warm water with a little sugar for about 10 minutes before adding it to the flour.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a food thermometer; it should read around 190°F (88°C) inside.

Can I make this bread without garlic?

Yes, you can skip the garlic and still have a delicious cheese and herb bread. Just increase the amount of herbs or add another flavoring of your choice.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

If you want to save time, you can prepare the dough the night before. After mixing the dough, let it rise briefly for about 30 minutes, then punch it down and shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the rising and baking steps. This makes it easy to serve fresh bread without too much hassle on the day of your gathering or meal.

In summary, making Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread is a fun and rewarding experience. It combines simple ingredients, and the end result is a loaf that is sure to impress. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it with your family, this bread will be a hit. Happy baking!

Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

A delightful bread recipe combining fluffy dough with roasted garlic, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for any meal.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling

• 1 head of garlic, roasted See FAQs for roasting instructions.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley and basil), chopped

Topping

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Gradually add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth.
3. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Assembly

1. After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread the roasted garlic evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and place it seam side down in a greased loaf pan.
4. Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
5. After it has risen, brush the top with 1/4 cup of melted butter.

Baking

1. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
2. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool slightly.
3. Slice and enjoy warm!

Notes

For best results, serve warm with olive oil for dipping. Can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.