Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread
A delightful artisan-style bread infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey cheese, perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water Ensure water is warm, not hot.
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the filling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Filling and Shaping
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from one end, roll the dough loosely from one side to the other to create a log shape.
- Place this log in a greased loaf pan with the seam side down.
Baking
- Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This bread pairs well with soups, salads, dips, and grilled meats. Store at room temperature wrapped in a towel for 2-3 days, or freeze for longer storage.