Name: Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread – Side Dish Recipes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1¼ cups warm water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; ½ cup grated Parmesan; 3 tablespoons softened butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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We’ve all had that moment when we pulled a warm loaf of bread from the oven and thought, ‘Why don’t I do this more often?’ This swirled garlic herb and cheese bread reminds me of slow Sundays at home, when the air smells like butter and rosemary. The swirls of sharp cheese and fragrant herbs make every slice feel like a treat, especially with soup or alongside lemon herb chicken. If you’re someone who appreciates old fashioned home cooking recipes or loves tinkering with side dish recipes easy enough for a weeknight, you’ll fall for this one quickly. I found myself licking garlic butter off my fingers (don’t judge), and the crust? Chewy and golden—just the way grandma would’ve liked it. Whether you’re craving something to serve with mushroom side dish ideas or looking to round out your collection of old southern recipes and chicken and cheese recipes, this bread delivers. And if you’re thinking this is too much effort, think again. It’s surprisingly relaxing. Like edible therapy, really. A loaf worth the little bit of kneading and a perfect nod to simple, satisfying cooking.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe
3) Ingredients for Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
4) How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
5) Tips for Making Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
6) Making Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!
9) Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This bread makes the perfect warm and cheesy addition to any meal.
It’s built with pantry staples, fresh herbs, and real cheese.
Perfect for those who love old southern recipes and side dish recipes easy enough for beginners.
The dough can be prepped ahead and baked when needed.

2) Easy Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes if you’re into old fashioned home cooking recipes. It’s buttery, herby, and has that melt-in-your-mouth cheese swirl that feels like a hug in bread form.

I started baking this when my kids stopped eating plain bread. I had to sneak flavor in somehow. The first time I added garlic and rosemary to the dough, they stopped mid-chew and gave me the “Mom, what’s in this?” look. That’s when I knew it worked.

It’s a great side dish for soup nights, and if you’re doing a lemon herb chicken or mushroom side dish, trust me, this loaf belongs right beside them. It’s easy to make, freezes well, and can also double as a comfort snack with just butter or olive oil.

3) Ingredients for Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

All-purpose flour: This forms the structure of the bread and gives it that soft chew we all crave.

Sugar: Just a spoonful helps the yeast activate and balances the savory bite of the garlic and cheese.

Instant yeast: I love using instant yeast because it skips the proofing step. Mix it right in and get moving.

Salt: Don’t skip this. It makes everything taste like it should.

Warm water: Helps the yeast get cozy and start the rising process.

Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the bread soft and springy.

Shredded mozzarella: Melty and mild, it brings the cheese swirl to life without overpowering the herbs.

Grated Parmesan: Salty, nutty, and sharp—it punches up the flavor of the cheesy layer.

Softened butter: Blends with herbs to make a spreadable base for the swirl. It’s worth the extra calories.

Minced garlic: Brings warmth and boldness. If you love side dish recipes, garlic is your best friend.

Fresh parsley and rosemary: These fresh herbs give the loaf its signature aroma and flavor. Dried won’t hit the same.

Egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust that glossy finish and a touch of richness.

4) How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour.

Step 4: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a bowl. Set it aside so the flavors marry.

Step 5: Once the dough has doubled, roll it out into a rectangle, spread the garlic herb butter all over, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, slice it lengthwise, and twist the two halves together to create a pretty braid.

Step 7: Place the braid in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash just before baking.

Step 8: Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and the top feels firm. Let it cool before slicing.

5) Tips for Making Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Let’s talk about side dish recipes. This one looks fancy, but it’s forgiving. Here’s what helps. Don’t overstuff the roll. I’ve done it, and cheese spills everywhere. A light layer gives you better swirls.

Use room-temperature butter when mixing with herbs. It spreads evenly and doesn’t tear the dough. Cold butter clumps, and hot butter soaks through.

And don’t skip the egg wash. It gives the loaf that bakery-style glow. If you’re taking it to a potluck or just want to show off your old southern recipes collection, this one always gets asked for.

6) Making Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread Ahead of Time

I get it. Sometimes you want to prep today and bake tomorrow. Good news? You can. Once the bread is braided and in the pan, cover it and chill overnight.

In the morning, bring it to room temp for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats. Then bake it like normal. No stress. Still fresh. Still warm. Still full of side dish recipe flavor.

If you’re freezing it, bake it first, then wrap in foil and plastic once cooled. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes to bring it back to life. That’s what I call old fashioned home cooking the smart way.

7) Storing Leftover Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread

Leftovers? Rare in my house, but on the off chance you’ve got a slice or two, store them in a sealed container. It stays soft for up to three days at room temperature.

Want to stretch it longer? Pop slices into the freezer. Just wrap each one in foil and toss into a bag. Reheat in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked feel.

This bread also makes killer grilled cheese. Yes, grilled cheese. Stack it with tomato slices and leftover lemon herb chicken. It’s a next-level lunch.

8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!

9) Swirled Garlic Herb And Cheese Bread