If you’ve ever wished for a bread recipe that elevates the humble loaf into something truly spectacular, then you’re going to adore this Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe. Imagine pulling a golden-brown, soft, and fluffy bread from the oven, with every bite bursting with rich garlic butter, fragrant fresh herbs, and a savory twist of Parmesan cheese. This bread isn’t just a side dish; it’s the star that will steal the show at any meal, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all on your own. The swirling patterns inside reveal layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe irresistible and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients for this bread is a joy in itself because each simple component plays a vital role in making the Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe so delicious. From the fluffiness contributed by the flour and yeast to the savory depth added by garlic and Parmesan, every item is chosen with care to build flavor and texture.
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for a soft but sturdy loaf.
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness for balance.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast: The magic behind the bread’s rise and airy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness and richness.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- 8 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Brings richness and the luscious garlic herb swirl inside.
- 3 large eggs: Enriches the dough for a soft, velvety texture.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor to the herb butter swirl.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Packs in fragrant, savory intensity that makes this bread unforgettable.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings brightness and freshness to the herb mix.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of dried herbs for a subtle complexity.
How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This dry blend sets the foundation for our bread. Warm the milk and 2 tablespoons of butter until just warm to touch, then add it together with the beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Using a dough hook or your hands, mix until the dough comes together, kneading it gently to create a soft, smooth dough that is slightly tacky. This step is where your bread starts to take shape—patient kneading will reward you with incredible texture.
Step 2: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it gently to coat. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise for about an hour in a warm spot, until it nearly doubles in size. This rising phase is crucial as the yeast works its magic, developing flavor and lightness.
Step 3: Making the Garlic Herb Butter
While your dough is rising, combine the remaining butter with Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning in a separate bowl. This rich and flavorful butter mixture will become the heart of your swirl, infusing every bite with an herby, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Shaping the Loaf
After your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly across the surface, leaving a small border along one side. Then roll the dough up tightly like a cinnamon roll, sealing the edges carefully. Slice almost down the length of the log, leaving about an inch uncut on one end. Opening the sliced dough reveals the stunning layers of the swirl that make this recipe so unique.
Step 5: Twisting and Final Rise
Twist the two halves upwards, keeping the cut sides facing up to showcase the beautiful swirl, and coil each end in opposite directions to form a fat “S” shape. This distinctive shape is not only visually appealing but helps bake the layers to perfect tenderness. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it loosely, and let it rise for another 45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the bread for about 30 minutes until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 200°F. The aroma during baking is incredible and will have everyone eagerly reaching for a slice. Once out of the oven, brush the loaf with melted butter for that extra glossy finish and richness.
How to Serve Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this bread with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan right before serving adds a lovely fresh touch and highlights the savory flavors already inside. A light dusting of sea salt can also add a delightful crunch to the buttery crust.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. It’s perfect alongside a creamy tomato soup or as an accompaniment to a hearty beef stew, soaking up all those delicious juices. You can also enjoy it with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal highlighting the bread’s buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf and arrange it fanned out on a wooden board with small bowls of flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegar, or herb-infused butter for dipping. It also makes an incredible base for bruschetta or mini sandwiches, allowing the flavorful swirl to shine through. Serving warm, right from the oven, is an experience on its own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, wrap leftover Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, maintaining its softness and flavor.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy fresh-tasting bread anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Thaw frozen bread at room temperature, then warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back that freshly baked texture and aroma. You can also briefly microwave slices for quick enjoyment, but the oven method preserves that delightful crust best.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can substitute dried parsley, but reduce the quantity to about one tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs tend to provide a brighter flavor, but dried herbs will still contribute wonderfully to the swirl.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese in the garlic butter swirl?
While Parmesan adds a lovely savory tang and depth to the garlic butter, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. The bread will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead by hand on a floured surface. It takes a bit more elbow grease but the process and results remain the same. The dough should be soft and only lightly sticky to the touch.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
Using an instant-read thermometer is ideal—the center should reach 200°F. If you don’t have one, look for a deeply golden crust and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the loaf.
Can I add other herbs or ingredients to the swirl?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding rosemary, thyme, or chives. You might also add finely chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. The Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe is versatile and welcomes your creativity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe that makes it a must-try for any bread lover. It’s not just about the satisfying taste and texture but also the joy of creating something from scratch that fills your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet moment with good bread and butter, this recipe promises a delicious experience every time. Give it a shot—you might just discover your new favorite bread!
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Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a soft, fluffy loaf featuring a delicious swirl of fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese in every bite. This American bread recipe combines a tender yeast dough with a flavorful garlic herb butter, perfect for impressing at any dinner table. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise twice, twisted into an eye-catching shape, and baked to a golden perfection.
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ to 4 cups (494g to 564g) all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter, softened (divided)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Garlic Herb Butter Filling
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter, softened (remaining from 8 Tablespoons)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Additional 2–3 Tablespoons melted salted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of the flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and kosher salt.
- Warm Milk and Butter: Heat ¾ cup whole milk with 2 Tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop to about 120°F to 130°F until warm but not hot.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the warm milk mixture and the lightly beaten eggs into the flour mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Using a dough hook or by hand on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 4-5 minutes adding the remaining flour as needed to create a smooth, soft, and slightly tacky dough.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl lightly drizzled with olive oil. Turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap or towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until nearly doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In another bowl, mash together the remaining 4 Tablespoons softened butter with Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Punch and Rest Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough, transfer it to a floured surface, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough out into a roughly 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one long side.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal it like a cinnamon roll.
- Slice and Twist: Using a serrated knife, slice the log almost all the way lengthwise down the middle, leaving about one inch uncut at one end. Open the roll to expose the layers. Twist the two halves over each other with cut sides up and pinch the ends together.
- Shape the Loaf: Twist the top half of the loaf to the right, coiling it halfway down. Twist the bottom half to the left, creating an “S” shape. Carefully transfer the loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Loosely cover the shaped loaf with plastic wrap and let rise another 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
- Brush with Butter: Remove from oven and immediately brush the loaf with 2-3 Tablespoons of melted salted butter for a rich finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of flour slightly depending on humidity and flour brand as doughs may absorb liquid differently.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the bread is fully baked and not undercooked inside.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- The garlic herb filling can be customized by using different herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
