Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread
Introduction
Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy piece of bread packed with gooey mozzarella and fragrant roasted garlic. This Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread is a delight that brings comfort to any meal and is perfect for sharing. Whether you serve it as a side, a snack, or even a special treat, this bread is bound to impress everyone at your table. Dive into your kitchen and let’s whip up this tasty treat!
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Whip it up in under two hours, including rising time!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry items with just a few fresh herbs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, parties, or cozy nights in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the comforting mix of garlic and cheese!
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of flavors guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
This recipe stands out because of the unique twist of rolling the cheese and garlic into the bread, creating beautiful swirls that not only look good but taste incredible too. You’ll impress your family and guests, leaving them asking for seconds!
Ingredients Needed
For the bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bulb of roasted garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
For finishing:
- Butter (for brushing)
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mix. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Make sure all the flour is moistened.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, which gives the bread structure.
Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/4 inch in thickness.
Spread the Filling: Mash the roasted garlic and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle fresh herbs and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one long edge to the other. Slice into swirls, about 1-inch thick.
Final Rise: Place the swirls in a greased baking dish, cut side up. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Brush and Bake: Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Serve Warm: Let it cool for a few minutes, then enjoy the scrumptious cheesy garlic flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread
This delightful bread is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with soups, salads, or a simple plate of olive oil for dipping. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving for a pop of color.
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread
To store your Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wraps and place it in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread
- Perfecting the Rise: Ensure your dough rises in a warm area, as this helps yeast activity.
- Roasting Garlic: To roast garlic, wrap a bulb in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until soft and caramelized.
- Add More Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to create your ideal flavor mix!
Variations
- Herb Blend: Use your favorite herbs or a mix such as oregano and thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the roasted garlic for a little heat.
- Cheddar Swirls: Substitute mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. You might need to add a bit more water.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check if any added binders or xanthan gum are needed to help structure.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures the swirls hold their shape while baking without becoming too dense.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread is a warm, comforting recipe that brings family and friends together at the table. With its quick prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment with a star rating! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you tried. So, why not share this delightful recipe on social media or with a friend? Happy baking!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Swirled Bread
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and fluffy bread packed with gooey mozzarella and fragrant roasted garlic, perfect for sharing at any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bulb of roasted garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
- Butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mix. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Mash the roasted garlic and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle fresh herbs and shredded mozzarella on top.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log and slice into 1-inch thick swirls.
- Place the swirls in a greased baking dish, cut side up. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg