Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread: 5 Irresistible Layers

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and absolutely addictive, this Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread might just become your new favorite homemade indulgence. It’s one of those recipes that fills your home with the kind of aroma that makes your neighbors want to move in. Soft, buttery layers are swirled with garlicky herbs and melty mozzarella—basically, all the good stuff wrapped into one loaf.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, pairing it with soup, or just baking your stress away on a Sunday afternoon, this bread delivers comfort in every bite. And the best part? You don’t have to be a bread-making pro to pull it off.

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

Let’s be honest: garlic bread is already one of life’s greatest joys. But when you add cheese and herbs and then swirl it all together into a golden, buttery loaf? That’s next-level happiness. This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is:

• Soft and fluffy with just the right chew.
• Packed with flavor from fresh herbs, butter, and gooey mozzarella.
• Beautifully swirled, so every slice looks (and tastes) bakery-worthy.
• Perfectly versatile—serve it as a side, snack, or centerpiece.

It’s the kind of bread that makes even a simple bowl of soup feel like a fancy meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this dreamy loaf:

• Bread Dough – A soft, enriched dough that’s slightly sweet and wonderfully elastic.
• Mozzarella Cheese – For that signature pull and creamy richness.
• Fresh Garlic – Sharp, earthy, and absolutely essential.
• Butter – Because every great bread deserves buttery layers.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Parsley, or Rosemary) – Add freshness and a pop of color.
• Egg Wash – Just one whisked egg with a splash of water for that golden, glossy crust.

How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy (about 10 minutes). Add softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour—or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to grab a cup of tea and let the magic happen.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While your dough is rising, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in your chopped herbs, then let it cool slightly. Try not to eat it by the spoonful.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush on that gorgeous garlic herb butter, then sprinkle the mozzarella evenly. It should look like something you’d want to dive into.

Step 4: Shape and Swirl

Gently roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge. Slice the log lengthwise to reveal all those beautiful cheesy layers. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up so that every swirl shows.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Place your shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for about 30–40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with egg wash and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until deeply golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your masterpiece cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes for neater slices. Serve warm or at room temperature—and don’t forget the butter if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Tips for the Perfect Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh herbs make this loaf sing.
• Don’t skip the egg wash. It’s what gives your bread that irresistible golden sheen.
• Feeling fancy? Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Too much cheese? (Just kidding. There’s no such thing.)

This bread also freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly once cooled and reheat in the oven for fresh-baked vibes anytime.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made this bread on a chaotic weeknight when dinner plans had gone out the window. The smell of butter and garlic instantly turned my kitchen into a cozy escape from the day’s craziness. By the time it came out of the oven, my family had gathered around like moths to a flame. One loaf disappeared in minutes, and I’ve been baking it ever since.

FAQs About Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

Bringing It All Together

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread isn’t just food—it’s comfort in loaf form. Every swirl tells a story of butter, cheese, and love (with a side of garlic, of course). It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve guests. So, the next time you want to bake something that makes your whole home smell like joy, you know what to do.

Now grab your mixing bowl—your cozy, garlicky masterpiece awaits!

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more warm, comforting recipes to pair with your freshly baked bread? Here are a few reader favorites that go perfectly with this Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread:

• Pair your loaf with a bowl of hearty Crockpot White Chicken Chili for the ultimate cozy meal night.
• Add a festive touch with these creamy Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells—perfect for the holiday season.
• Serve alongside crispy and buttery Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes for a flavor-packed dinner spread.
• Or satisfy your sweet tooth with the luscious Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding—a comforting dessert that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread

---

• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 large loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is the ultimate comfort bake—soft, buttery, and filled with gooey mozzarella and fragrant herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a golden, cheesy homemade loaf that looks as amazing as it tastes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Finish:

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes, until foamy.

2. Make the Dough:
   Add softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. Prepare Garlic Herb Butter:
   Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs. Cool slightly.

4. Roll & Fill:
   Punch down dough and roll into a large rectangle. Brush generously with garlic herb butter, then sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.

5. Shape the Swirl:
   Roll tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice lengthwise, twist both halves together (cut sides up), and place into a greased loaf pan.

6. Second Rise:
   Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Bake:
   Brush loaf with egg wash and bake 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

8. Cool & Serve:
   Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor—dried can be substituted if needed.
Try adding Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
To store, wrap in foil and keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5.
This bread freezes beautifully—just reheat in the oven to revive the melty magic.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour rise
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Bread, Comfort Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
• Calories: 265 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg