Go Back
Freshly baked swirled garlic herb bread garnished with herbs.

Swirled Garlic Herb Bread

This soft and flavorful bread combines fresh herbs and garlic for a unique twist on traditional bread, perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
Prep Time 55 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature, plus more for serving
Herb Mixture
  • 1-2 cloves garlic grated or finely chopped
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add eggs, 3 ½ cups flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, adding more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
  3. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of butter and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with the grated garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and sage. Set aside.
Shaping
  1. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 12x18 inches.
  2. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, slice it lengthwise, and twist the two halves over each other to expose the herb-filled layers.
  4. Shape the twisted dough into an 'S' shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 45 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. Optionally, brush with additional butter before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with extra butter or your favorite spread. This bread pairs perfectly with hearty soups or light salads. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and knead the dough well for a fluffy texture.