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Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese: 7 Irresistible Recipes

by basmer

4 de November de 2025

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Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese is a delightful blend of rich, creamy flavors that brings joy to any meal. This cheese is infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, making it the perfect addition to your cheese board or as a spread. Whether slathered on warm bread or served as a dip, it offers a burst of flavor that is simply irresistible. Imagine the layers of savory goodness melting in your mouth, enhancing both simple snacks and gourmet dishes alike.

Why You’ll Love This Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese

This Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese is not just tasty; it’s versatile and easy to prepare. Here are some reasons to love it:

Rich and creamy texture perfect for spreading or dipping.
Infused with fresh garlic, it elevates any dish.
Ideal for gatherings, as both a party dip and appetizer.
Easy to customize with various herbs and spices.
Can be made ahead, ideal for meal prep.
Pairs beautifully with wines and fresh bread.
It’s a vegetarian delight, suitable for all diets.

Ingredients for Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese

Gather these items:

3 ½ cups (420-450 grams) All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting
1 cup (240 ml) Warm Water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 standard packet) Active Dry Yeast
¼ cup (57 grams) Unsalted Butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon Salt (for dough)
½ cup (113 grams) Unsalted Butter, softened (for filling)
4-6 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced very finely
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste (for filling)
1 cup (about 113 grams) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
½ cup (about 50 grams) Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Large Egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
1 tablespoon Water or milk (for egg wash, optional)

How to Make Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Once yeast is bubbly, stir in the melted and cooled unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add all-purpose flour, about a cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface by hand for 8-10 minutes, or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Lightly grease a clean large bowl with oil. Transfer the kneaded dough, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: While the dough rises, combine the ½ cup softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly until uniform and aromatic. Set aside.
Step 6: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan (or line with parchment paper). Gently punch down the risen dough to release air and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches (40×30 cm) and about ¼ inch thick. Spread the prepared garlic herb butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough.
Step 7: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic herb filling, leaving a small ½-inch border along one of the longer edges. Starting from the opposite longer side, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed along the bottom edge and gently tuck the ends under.
Step 8: Choose your shaping method: For a classic loaf, place the rolled log seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. For a twisted loaf, slice the log lengthwise, twist the two halves around each other, and carefully place into the pan. For pull-apart buns, slice the log into 1 ½ to 2-inch thick rounds and arrange upright in the pan. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm, draft-free spot for 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffed.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before the second rise ends. If using, whisk 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water or milk for an egg wash and gently brush it over the top of the risen bread. Carefully place the loaf pan into the preheated oven.
Step 10: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown on top and cooked through (internal temperature 200-210°F / 93-99°C). If browning too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese

Keep these in mind:

This cheese pairs well with pasta dishes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Reheat in the oven for the best results.
For an extra kick, add more garlic or herbs to your blend.

Best Ways to Serve Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese

There are endless ways to enjoy your Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese. Here are some of my favorites:

Serve it as a spread on toasted baguette slices.
Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables and crackers.
Incorporate it into your favorite pasta dishes for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese

To keep your Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a warm, gooey delight. This is perfect for meal prep and makes for a quick snack as well!

Frequently Asked Questions About Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese

What’s the secret to perfect Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese?

The key to perfect Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese is using fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor, making the cheese spread even more delicious. Experiment with different herbs for unique variations.

Can I make Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese in advance and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors have melded together for a day.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese?

To avoid mistakes, ensure your yeast is fresh and active before starting. Don’t skip the rising times; they are crucial for achieving the right texture. Following the steps closely will yield the best results.

Variations of Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese You Can Try

Get creative with your Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese by trying out these variations:

Replace mozzarella with feta for a tangy twist.
Add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
Incorporate different cheese blends for unique flavors.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread for a festive touch. You can also explore vegan alternatives to enjoy similar flavors.

Swirled Garlic Herb Cheese: 7 Irresistible Recipes

Author: basmer
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, pillowy bread infused with garlic and herbs, wrapped around gooey mozzarella.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Once yeast is bubbly, stir in the melted and cooled unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add all-purpose flour, about a cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface by hand for 8-10 minutes, or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a clean large bowl with oil. Transfer the kneaded dough, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, combine the ½ cup softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly until uniform and aromatic. Set aside.
Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan (or line with parchment paper). Gently punch down the risen dough to release air and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches (40×30 cm) and about ¼ inch thick. Spread the prepared garlic herb butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic herb filling, leaving a small ½-inch border along one of the longer edges. Starting from the opposite longer side, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed along the bottom edge and gently tuck the ends under.
Choose your shaping method: 1. For a classic loaf, place the rolled log seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. 2. For a twisted loaf, slice the log lengthwise, twist the two halves around each other, and carefully place into the pan. 3. For pull-apart buns, slice the log into 1 ½ to 2-inch thick rounds and arrange upright in the pan. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm, draft-free spot for 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffed.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before the second rise ends. If using, whisk 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water or milk for an egg wash and gently brush it over the top of the risen bread. Carefully place the loaf pan into the preheated oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown on top and cooked through (internal temperature 200-210°F / 93-99°C). If browning too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.