Swirled Garlic Herb Bread
The ultimate comfort food, Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a warm, fragrant loaf filled with garlic and fresh herbs. It's the perfect addition to any meal, elevating your dining experience with every slice. Bake this easy weeknight bread tonight!
Equipment
- Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm whole milk, instant yeast, honey, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and kosher salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4 to 5 minutes. The dough should be silky and slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it feels too sticky, you can gradually add some of the additional flour to achieve a smooth texture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough sit at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. You’ll notice it has puffed up nicely, which means the yeast is doing its job. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, grated garlic, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, sage, and thyme. Mix everything until well combined, creating a beautiful garlic herb butter that will elevate the flavor of your bread.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out onto a lightly floured surface, forming a large rectangle approximately 12 x 18 inches. This is where the magic happens; you’ll soon be swirling those delicious flavors together!
- Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring that every inch is covered. Starting with the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edge to seal it as you go. It should look beautiful and inviting!
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log of dough in half lengthwise, leaving a small portion at one end intact. This helps to create that stunning swirl effect. Turn the halves to expose the delicious filling.
- Cross the dough ropes over each other, twisting them until you have a long, twisted loaf. This step is not only for aesthetics but also helps to mix the flavors as they bake.
- Coil the twisted dough half up like a snake, stopping halfway. Then, coil the second half in the opposite direction. Carefully transfer this coiled beauty to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, allowing it to puff up again.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Once your dough has risen, transfer the bread to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. It should turn golden brown and make your kitchen smell heavenly. Brush the top of the loaf with any remaining melted butter for added richness.
- Slice the bread once it’s cool enough to handle, and serve warm. You can enjoy it on its own or with a bit more butter on top, making it even more indulgent.
Notes
- To Make Ahead: Prepare the bread through step 6. Once the bread is shaped, place it on a parchment lined baking sheet, cover, and place in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove the bread from the fridge 1 hour prior to baking, then bake as directed.
- To Freeze: Bake the bread as directed and allow to cool completely. Once cool, wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter and warm or toast before serving.
- Leftovers: The bread is best served warm after baking, but the leftover bread is delicious when lightly toasted or served at room temperature.