Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Soft golden bread packed with garlic, herbs, and melty cheese. Perfectly swirled, buttery, and savory.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ For the Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
06 - 2 tablespoons butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg

→ For the Garlic Herb Cheese Filling

08 - 4 tablespoons butter, softened
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
02 - Combine softened butter, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and salt in a small bowl. Mix until evenly blended and set aside.
03 - Punch down the dough and roll it into a 10×14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
04 - Roll the dough tightly into a log from the longer side. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise into two strips. Twist the strips together with the cut sides facing up to form a swirl. Place into a greased loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
05 - Cover the shaped dough and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
06 - Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, cheesy interior.

# Extra Tips:

01 - This bread pairs beautifully with soups, pasta dishes, or can be enjoyed on its own.
02 - To reheat, warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive crispiness.
03 - For best results, use freshly grated cheeses to ensure better melting and flavor.