If you’re craving a fresh, homemade bread that’s packed with melty cheese, fragrant herbs, and roasted garlic, this Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a perfect choice. Golden and pillowy on the outside with gooey mozzarella on the inside,

this bread is a flavorful indulgence ideal for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to something warm and comforting. It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, soups, or can be savored all on its own right out of the oven.

Table of Contents

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

George Law

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a buttery, cheesy masterpiece filled with fragrant herbs and roasted garlic. With a soft, pillowy texture and golden crust, it’s perfect served warm alongside pasta, soup, or enjoyed on its own as an irresistible comfort food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 30

Cook Time 40

Total Time 2 10

Course Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian Fusion

Servings 12 slices

Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
small saucepan
Rolling Pin
loaf pan
pastry brush
oven

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary), chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
Add eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in herbs, remove from heat, and set aside.
After rising, roll dough into a large rectangle. Brush evenly with the garlic herb butter and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Roll dough into a log, slice it lengthwise, and twist the halves with cut sides facing up to reveal the swirl pattern.
Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix egg and water for egg wash, then brush the top of the loaf for shine.
Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days. Freeze the loaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the texture. Brush with melted butter before serving for extra flavor.

Keyword cheese bread, garlic herb bread, homemade bread, savory yeast bread, swirled loaf

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Easy to make: Most of the work is hands-off during dough rising.
Bursting with flavor: Fresh herbs and roasted garlic add a fragrant, savory touch.
Made with simple ingredients: Pantry staples plus fresh additions.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this cheesy bread.
Versatile: Great as a side, snack, or appetizer.
Impressive look: The swirl twist adds a beautiful touch to your table.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread 1 1

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Substitutions & Add-ins:

Swap mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different cheese flavor.

Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available reduce to 2 tsp total.

Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking for an extra savory punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy this means the yeast is activated and ready to work.
Add eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and remove from heat. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with the garlic herb butter, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Carefully roll the dough into a log shape, starting from one long edge. Slice the log lengthwise down the middle with a sharp knife, then twist the two halves around each other with the cut sides facing upwards to show off the cheese and herbs inside.
Place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 large loaf (about 12 slices)

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh the gooey cheese and soft bread texture.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

This bread shines on its own or served alongside a hearty bowl of pasta, soup, or salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of good olive oil before serving. For an added burst of flavor, pair it with a side of marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.

Optional Variations

Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter.

Mix in cooked bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.

Replace mozzarella with a combo of mozzarella and fontina for creamier texture.

Cultural Note

This bread draws inspiration from classic American comfort food with a twist of Italian herb and cheese flavors. It combines the satisfying pull-apart texture of swirl breads with the beloved melted mozzarella that characterizes Italian cooking.