This Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a soft, doughy, and flavorful bread that combines the rich essence of garlic with the earthy freshness of herbs. With a buttery swirl and a golden crust, this bread is perfect for any dinner table and makes for an impressive addition to your meals. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and once you experience the warm, savory aroma as it bakes, you’ll be hooked!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm whole milk

• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 3 large eggs

• 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for serving

• 1-2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped

• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, honey, eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated (about 4-5 minutes). Add 2 tablespoons of butter and mix for 2-3 minutes more. If the dough is sticky, add up to 1/2 cup of additional flour until smooth.

2. Let it rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Prepare the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with garlic, parmesan, basil, thyme, and sage.

4. Roll the dough: Punch the dough down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a log, pinching the edges to seal.

5. Twist the dough: Cut the dough log in half lengthwise, exposing the herbed filling. Twist the two halves over each other until you create a long, twisted dough. Coil the dough into an “S” shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Let it rise again: Cover the dough and let it rise for 45 minutes.

7. Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. Brush the top with additional butter before serving.

8. Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy it warm with extra butter.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 795 kcal

• Total Fat: 37 g

  • Saturated Fat: 21 g

• Cholesterol: 100 mg

• Sodium: 710 mg

• Potassium: 180 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 96 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugars: 7 g

• Protein: 10 g

• Vitamin A: 10% of daily value

• Vitamin C: 2% of daily value

• Calcium: 10% of daily value

• Iron: 15% of daily value

Why Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is Perfect for Any Meal

Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a versatile and mouthwatering bread that elevates any meal. Its robust flavor profile makes it an ideal side dish for a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re having a casual dinner with friends or a more formal family gathering, this bread complements virtually any type of cuisine. The garlic and herbs bring a comforting, familiar flavor, while the parmesan cheese adds a savory richness that pairs beautifully with both light and hearty dishes.

The soft and pillowy texture of the bread makes it perfect for sopping up sauces, making it an excellent accompaniment to soups, stews, and pasta dishes. For those who enjoy roasted meats, the bread’s flavor complements beef, chicken, pork, or lamb, helping to round out the meal. Its lightness makes it a perfect addition to any brunch spread, offering a savory alternative to sweeter options like muffins or scones.

Additionally, this bread is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only basic ingredients and a bit of time for the dough to rise. With a stand mixer, the mixing and kneading process is effortless, and the rest of the time is simply allowing the dough to rise and then bake to perfection. The bread can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or bringing to potlucks or gatherings. It also stores well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for several days after baking.

Health Benefits of Swirled Garlic Herb Bread

While Swirled Garlic Herb Bread may be considered indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits, especially when made with quality ingredients. The bread’s base is made with all-purpose flour, which provides a good amount of carbohydrates, the body’s primary source of energy. Additionally, the inclusion of olive oil in the dough and the use of butter in the garlic herb swirl contribute healthy fats, which are essential for various bodily functions, including cell structure, brain health, and hormone production.

Garlic, one of the key ingredients in this bread, offers numerous health benefits. It is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage and promoting overall health. The fresh herbs used in the bread—basil, thyme, and sage—are not only flavorful but also rich in vitamins and minerals. Herbs like basil are high in vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting, while thyme contains vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin integrity.

Parmesan cheese, while rich and flavorful, also provides calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. The combination of these ingredients creates a bread that, while indulgent, still provides some nutritional value, making it a great choice for those looking for a savory treat that also delivers health benefits.

The Flavor Profile of Swirled Garlic Herb Bread

The flavor of Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is a perfect balance of savory, rich, and aromatic notes. The garlic provides a warm, robust flavor that is not overpowering but gives the bread a delightful depth. The addition of fresh herbs—basil, thyme, and sage—adds complexity to the flavor, giving it an earthy, fresh taste that complements the richness of the garlic and butter.

The parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery swirl in the bread, while the light sweetness of honey in the dough adds just a hint of contrast to the savory elements. As the bread bakes, the aroma of the garlic and herbs infuses the dough, creating an irresistible fragrance that fills the kitchen. The golden crust that forms as the bread bakes adds a slightly crispy texture, which contrasts with the soft and airy interior, creating a satisfying eating experience.

The garlic herb butter swirl, which is spread throughout the dough, is the star of the flavor profile. As the bread bakes, the butter melts into the dough, creating pockets of rich, savory goodness that enhance every bite. The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese is a classic one that is always a crowd-pleaser, and when paired with the freshness of the herbs, it elevates the bread to something truly special.

How to Customize Swirled Garlic Herb Bread

While the base recipe for Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is already delicious, it’s easy to customize based on personal preferences or dietary needs. For a slightly different flavor, you can experiment with different herbs. If you prefer a more Mediterranean flavor, consider adding rosemary or oregano to the mix. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic herb butter swirl for an extra kick.

If you’re looking to make the bread a bit heartier or more nutritious, you can swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, depending on your dietary needs. Whole wheat flour will add more fiber and nutrients, while gluten-free flour will cater to those who are avoiding gluten. You can also experiment with adding seeds like sesame or sunflower seeds to the dough or as a topping for the bread for added crunch and nutrition.

For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and opt for dairy-free cheese to maintain the cheesy, savory flavor. Vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast can be used to achieve the umami flavor that parmesan cheese provides without using dairy.

How to Serve Swirled Garlic Herb Bread

Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It’s the perfect side for soups, stews, and pasta dishes, where you can use it to soak up flavorful broths and sauces. The savory garlic and herb flavors pair wonderfully with tomato-based dishes, such as marinara pasta or roasted vegetable soups, offering a complementary depth of flavor.

This bread also works well as a side to roasted meats, particularly beef, pork, or chicken. The richness of the garlic and butter in the bread complements the savory flavors of roasted or grilled meats, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. For a more casual meal, you can serve this bread alongside a fresh green salad or a charcuterie board, where it can be enjoyed with a variety of cheeses, meats, and spreads.

If you’re preparing the bread for a special occasion, it makes an excellent addition to a holiday dinner spread or a brunch table. Serve it as a beautiful, impressive centerpiece alongside other hearty dishes, or simply enjoy it on its own with extra butter or olive oil for dipping.

Conclusion

Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. With its soft, pillowy interior, golden crust, and rich, savory flavors, this bread elevates any meal it accompanies. The garlic and herb butter swirl, combined with the tang of parmesan cheese, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty soup, alongside roasted meats, or simply enjoying it with a bit of butter, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your home.

The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences make Swirled Garlic Herb Bread a versatile and accessible option for any cook. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this bread is sure to impress. Its warm, savory aroma will fill your kitchen, and its irresistible flavor will leave everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make bread that will elevate any meal, Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is the perfect choice.