Description
This Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a savory homemade loaf bursting with fresh herbs and garlic flavor. Soft, fluffy, and beautifully twisted with a rich garlic herb butter swirled inside, it’s perfect for pairing with soups, pasta, or salads. An easy bread recipe that combines classic baking methods with a rustic look and irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Herb Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the Dough: Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, thyme, black pepper, and salt, mixing thoroughly to make the garlic herb butter.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the risen dough out into a 9 by 15-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the surface and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if using.
- Create the Swirl: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up, creating a beautiful swirl pattern.
- Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 25 to 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the warm bread with a little melted butter and a pinch of garlic salt after baking.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs using about one third of the quantity.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, pasta dishes, or salads.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
