Mediterranean Swirled Garlic & Herb Cheese Bread
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Serves: 8–10 slices
This Mediterranean Swirled Garlic & Herb Cheese Bread is a golden, buttery loaf packed with layers of melted cheese, fragrant herbs, and rich garlic flavor. It’s soft inside with a slightly crisp crust, making it perfect as a side for soups, pasta, or even as a stand-alone snack. The Mediterranean twist comes from aromatic herbs like oregano and parsley, paired with a touch of garlic and creamy cheese for that irresistible pull-apart texture.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg
For the Garlic Herb Cheese Filling:
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a mix)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried parsley
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
Add wet ingredients:
Pour in the warm milk, olive oil, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 7–8 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the filling:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, and parsley. Set aside.
Shape the dough:
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Brush the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Form the swirl:
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log lengthwise down the middle (leaving one end attached if you want a braid-style loaf). Twist or braid the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to show the layers.
Second rise:
Transfer the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or line it on parchment paper for a free-form loaf. Cover and let it rise again for 20–30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Finish:
Brush with a little melted butter after baking for extra softness and shine. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
Check your yeast: Make sure your yeast is active and not expired. If in doubt, dissolve it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour.
Warm milk temperature: The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot (about 110°F / 43°C). Too hot will kill the yeast.
Proper kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps the bread rise evenly and stay soft.
Don’t overload with cheese: Use the listed amount or slightly less. Too much cheese can make the bread heavy and affect rising.
Braid neatly: When twisting or braiding the dough, keep the cut layers facing up for that beautiful cheesy swirl on top.
Avoid overbaking: Once golden brown and firm on top, remove the bread from the oven. Overbaking can dry it out.
Variations:
Cheese options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, feta, provolone, or a Mediterranean cheese blend.
Add herbs: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for more aroma.
Garlic lovers: Add roasted garlic to the filling for a sweeter, mellow flavor.
Spicy version: Sprinkle chili flakes or add a bit of harissa paste to the garlic butter for a Mediterranean heat.
Stuffed loaf twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives between the layers for extra Mediterranean flair.
Mini rolls: Roll the dough into smaller pieces before baking for individual servings — great for parties or side baskets.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with olive oil for dipping or alongside soups and stews.
Pair with pasta dishes like creamy Alfredo or tomato-based sauces.
Toast leftovers and top them with avocado or poached eggs for a flavorful breakfast.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the dough, shape it, and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat. The texture will be slightly denser but still soft and flavorful.
Q: What’s the best way to store it?
A: Keep the bread wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I make it without eggs?
A: Yes. Replace the egg with 3 tablespoons of milk or plain yogurt. The texture will still be soft, though slightly less rich.
Q: How do I make it extra cheesy?
A: Mix a bit of grated parmesan into the dough or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an extra golden crust.
Nutrition
(per slice, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 265
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 340mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on cheese type and butter amount.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Swirled Garlic & Herb Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of soft, cheesy comfort and Mediterranean charm. The warm layers of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese make every slice rich and aromatic. It’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite pasta, soups, or salads — or to simply enjoy on its own, fresh from the oven.
Whether you bake it for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this bread is sure to impress with its beautiful swirled design, golden crust, and irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.