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Garlic Herb Swirl Bread Recipe

4.4 from 143 reviews

This Garlic Herb Swirl Bread is a delightful homemade bread featuring a soft, fluffy texture infused with a savory blend of garlic, fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Perfect for serving alongside meals or enjoying as a flavorful snack, this bread showcases an aromatic herb swirl that fills each bite with fragrant, buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Garlic Herb Filling

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture along with the softened butter. Mix using your hands or a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten for structure and texture.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare the Garlic Herb Filling: While the dough is rising, mix minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create a fragrant filling.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches in size.
  7. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the garlic herb mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during rolling.
  8. Form the Roll: Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll firmly, ensuring the filling stays inside.
  9. Slice the Bread Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick rounds and arrange them cut side up in a greased baking dish to retain their shape during baking.
  10. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes, letting them become puffy and light before baking. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Pull apart the rolls to reveal the beautiful garlic herb swirl inside and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Ensure water used for yeast activation is warm (about 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor but dried herbs can be used; reduce quantity by half if using dried.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm place for best results.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the minced garlic by 1-2 cloves.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Garlic Herb Bread, Swirl Bread, Homemade Bread, Garlic Bread, Herb Bread, Soft Bread Rolls