pin it
A beautifully twisted loaf of bread reveals swirls of melted cheese and fresh herbs in each slice, creating an impressive centerpiece that's as delicious as it is beautiful. The enriched dough, similar to brioche but sturdier, provides the perfect canvas for sharp cheddar and aromatic herbs, all brushed with garlic butter before baking to golden perfection.
After countless attempts at creating the perfect swirled bread, I discovered that a carefully enriched dough combined with proper shaping technique creates both beautiful presentation and delicious results.
Essential Ingredients
- Bread flour: Forms the backbone of this recipe, with its higher protein content (12-14%) creating the perfect structure through strong gluten development. This higher protein percentage ensures the dough can support the weight of cheese and herbs while maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Room temperature buttermilk: Brings crucial tenderness to the crumb while its subtle tang enhances the savory flavors. The acidity helps tenderize the gluten while the fat content creates richness that regular milk simply can't match.
- Fresh garlic: Must be finely minced to ensure even distribution and prevent any overwhelming bites. Choose firm, fresh heads without sprouting, as older garlic can impart bitter notes. You'll need 4-5 large cloves, yielding about 2 tablespoons when minced.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Should be freshly grated just before using - pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Age matters here; choose a cheese aged at least 12 months for concentrated flavor and those delightful crunchy crystals.
- European-style butter: Contains a higher fat percentage than standard American butter, creating richer flavor and better texture. The dough needs it at room temperature, while the filling requires it slightly softer for easy spreading.
Instructions Steps
- Create the Perfect Dough
- Begin with room temperature ingredients, particularly the buttermilk and eggs, as this ensures even incorporation. In your stand mixer bowl, combine the buttermilk with yeast and sugar, allowing them to mingle briefly. Add the eggs, then gradually incorporate the flour and salt. The dough will look shaggy at first but will come together as it mixes. Finally, add the butter in small pieces, letting each incorporate fully before adding more.
- Master the First Rise
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap, ensuring it's airtight to prevent a skin from forming. Place in a warm spot - ideally around 75°F. The dough should double in size, becoming light and puffy when touched gently. This typically takes about two hours but could be longer in cooler environments.
- Prepare the Filling
- While the dough rises, combine softened butter with minced garlic and finely chopped fresh herbs. This mixture should be spreadable but not melted. Grate the cheese fresh just before using to ensure the best melting properties.
- Shape with Intention
- Roll the dough into a precise rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly from the long side, pinching the seam to seal. The critical step comes when cutting - use a sharp knife to split the log lengthwise, leaving one end intact.
- Create the Swirl
- Carefully twist the two strands around each other, keeping the cut sides facing up to showcase the layers. This creates the signature swirled pattern that makes this bread so striking. Take care to seal the ends well to prevent unraveling during baking.
pin it
Storage and Serving
This bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven, when the cheese is still melty and the herbs fragrant. However, it keeps well at room temperature for two days when wrapped tightly. Reheat slices briefly in a warm oven to restore their fresh-baked texture. For the best experience, serve with additional salted butter or high-quality olive oil for dipping.
Making It Your Own
The basic technique remains the same while allowing for endless variations. Try different cheese combinations like gruyere and parmesan, or experiment with herb mixtures such as rosemary and sage. Add sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions to the filling for additional layers of flavor.
Through many iterations of this recipe, I've found that success lies in the details - properly incorporated butter, well-developed gluten, and careful shaping create a bread that's both beautiful and delicious. Whether served alongside a hearty pasta dish or enjoyed on its own, this swirled bread proves that homemade bread can be both approachable and impressive.
pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can prepare the dough through the first rise the day before, then refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature before shaping.
- → Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs - use about 1/3 the amount called for fresh.
- → Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
- Room temperature ingredients help the dough rise properly and create a better texture in the finished bread.
- → How do I know when the bread is done?
- The top should be golden brown and the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- → Can I freeze this bread?
- Yes! Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in oven before serving.