Introduction

Garlic Herb Swirl Bread is a fragrant and flavorful loaf perfect for any meal. Soft, buttery dough is rolled with a fresh garlic and herb filling, creating beautiful swirls that burst with taste. This bread is ideal for sharing warm with family and friends.

Garlic Herb Swirl Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes or until frothy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the softened butter.
Step 3: Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the garlic herb filling. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped herbs, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
Step 7: Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Step 8: Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.
Step 9: Slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds and place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
Step 10: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 11: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 12: Allow bread to cool slightly before serving, pulling apart the rolls to enjoy the swirl of herbs and garlic.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the baked bread with melted butter mixed with a little garlic powder before serving.
Try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the herb filling for a cheesy twist.
Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantities by half for a balanced taste.
If you prefer a spicier bread, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the herb mixture.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled bread for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast; just mix it directly with the flour and reduce the warm water slightly. No need to proof it beforehand.

Can I prepare the dough in a bread machine?

Absolutely! Use the dough setting on your bread machine for mixing and kneading, then follow the rising and shaping instructions as directed.

Garlic Herb Swirl Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

This Garlic Herb Swirl Bread is a savory, aromatic pull-apart bread featuring a delightful mix of fresh garlic and herbs swirled into a soft, handmade dough. Perfect as a side for dinners or as a flavorful snack, this bread combines the comforting texture of homemade yeast bread with an herby, garlicky punch.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes or until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the softened butter.
Mix and Knead Dough: Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic to develop gluten.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
Prepare Garlic Herb Filling: While the dough rises, mix minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Roll Dough Out: Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
Spread Filling: Evenly spread the garlic herb mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
Form Rolls: Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal it well.
Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled log into 1-inch thick slices and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Pull apart rolls to enjoy the delicious garlic and herb swirls.

Notes

Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, rosemary, and thyme if fresh are unavailable.
For a richer flavor, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or as a base for garlic bread with cheese added.

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, swirl bread, pull-apart bread, homemade bread, savory bread, yeast bread