Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

Introduction

Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for sharing at any meal. Soft, buttery dough layered with fresh herbs and garlic creates a beautiful twisted bread that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup warm whole milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 large eggs
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for serving
• 1-2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining the warm milk, instant yeast, and honey in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs, 3 ½ cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using a dough hook or by hand until combined. If the dough is sticky, gradually add the remaining flour. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of butter and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the herb butter by mixing the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with grated garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and sage in a small bowl. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough for full coverage.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise, keeping one end slightly intact. Twist the two halves over each other to expose the herb-filled layers, then coil the twisted dough into an “S” shape. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 45 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Brush the warm bread with additional butter before serving for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch—use about one-third of the fresh amount.
• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle extra parmesan inside the layers before rolling the dough.
• If you prefer, substitute the whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
• Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside your favorite soups and salads.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the fully cooled loaf wrapped in foil and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in the warm milk with honey and letting it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the other ingredients.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) also indicates it’s done.

Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

This Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a savory, aromatic loaf featuring a tender dough swirled with a flavorful garlic herb butter blend of parmesan, basil, thyme, and sage. Perfectly golden and soft, this bread is ideal as a side for soups, salads, or as a delicious snack on its own.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 medium loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• ¾ cup warm whole milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 large eggs
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for serving

Herb Butter Spread

• 1–2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix the dough: Add the eggs, 3 ½ cups of flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook or mixing by hand, combine until a dough forms. If too sticky, gradually add the remaining flour. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the herb butter: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of room temperature butter with grated garlic, freshly grated parmesan, chopped basil, thyme, and sage. Set this flavorful butter mixture aside.
5. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough ensuring full coverage.
6. Shape the bread: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log lengthwise, leaving one end slightly intact. Twist the two halves over each other to expose the swirled herb layers. Coil the twisted dough into an “S” shape and place it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and allow it to rise again for about 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once out of the oven, brush the warm bread with additional butter to enhance flavor and serve.

Notes

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Adjust flour quantity as needed to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
• Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at about one-third the quantity.
• Letting the bread cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its shape.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

Keywords: garlic herb bread, swirled bread, homemade bread, soft bread, parmesan bread, herb butter bread