Julia Walton
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery bread swirled with melted cheese, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, making it irresistible as a side dish or even the star of your meal. The golden-brown crust gives way to gooey, cheesy layers that pull apart beautifully—perfect for sharing.
Whether you serve it at a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just for a cozy night in, this swirled bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It pairs wonderfully with soups, pastas, or even enjoyed on its own as a comforting snack.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread?
A good melty cheese is key for this recipe. Mozzarella is a classic choice for that satisfying stretch, while provolone or fontina add a deeper, richer flavor. If you love a sharp bite, try mixing in some aged Parmesan or sharp cheddar. A combination of cheeses often gives the best balance of creaminess and taste.
Ingredients for the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
Bread Dough
The foundation of this recipe, a soft and fluffy dough, ensures the bread stays tender and holds the cheese and herbs perfectly in every swirl.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mild and wonderfully melty, mozzarella creates that signature gooey pull-apart texture that makes this bread so irresistible.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the bread with bold, aromatic flavor, making each bite burst with savory goodness.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley and basil add freshness and color, balancing out the richness of the cheese and butter.
Butter
Melted butter brushed over the dough adds richness, keeps the bread moist, and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that enhances the flavor depth of the bread.
How To Make the Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start with a soft, enriched bread dough. If using homemade, allow it to rise until doubled in size. A fluffy dough ensures the bread has a tender texture and holds the filling beautifully.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Keep it about ¼-inch thick so it’s easy to swirl without tearing.
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Herb Butter
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure every bite will be infused with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Generously sprinkle mozzarella over the buttered dough. For extra flavor, add a light layer of Parmesan or your favorite melting cheese.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Slice it into thick sections to create the beautiful swirled pattern.
Step 6: Arrange in a Pan
Place the swirled slices into a greased baking dish or loaf pan. Arrange them closely, allowing them to rise together into a pull-apart loaf.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling through the swirls.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Let it cool slightly before serving. Pull apart and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness while it’s still warm and melty.
Serving and Storing Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
Serve this bread straight from the oven while the cheese is perfectly gooey and warm. It makes a fantastic appetizer, a side for pasta, or even a snack on its own. If you’re serving for a party, arrange it on a wooden board with extra dipping sauces like marinara or garlic butter.
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
What to Serve With Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread?
Classic Tomato Basil Soup
The rich, cheesy bread pairs perfectly with a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup.
Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Scoop up creamy Alfredo sauce with this garlicky, cheesy bread for a restaurant-style experience.
Hearty Beef Stew
Dip the fluffy bread into a savory stew for a cozy and filling meal.
Fresh Green Salad
Balance the richness with a crisp salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables
Serve with a medley of oven-roasted vegetables for a wholesome side.
Grilled Chicken or Steak
A simple grilled protein turns this bread into a complete meal.
Marinara Sauce Dip
Sometimes simple is best—serve warm bread with a tangy marinara dipping sauce.
Soft Scrambled Eggs
Enjoy it as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch spread.
Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory favorites:
• Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for a sweet, fruity alternative.
• Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia for a chewy, airy delight.
• Garlic Ritz Snacks if you love a crunchy, garlicky snack.
• Cinnamon Roll Cake when you’re craving something sweet but still love a swirled bread texture.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this irresistible swirled bread to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it when you’re ready to bake it again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added sun-dried tomatoes, extra herbs, or a spicy kick with jalapeños? Share your version in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
Need more baking inspiration? Explore my daily creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite recipe might be waiting there.
Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 250 g bread dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Let your bread dough rise until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll it into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
- Make garlic herb butter: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and herbs.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly brush the garlic herb butter over the dough.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and optional Parmesan across the dough.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into thick swirled pieces.
- Arrange in a pan: Place slices in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before pulling apart and serving warm.