Impressive Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread (Print version)

Soft yeasted bread rolled with garlic, herbs, and three cheeses, then twisted into a stunning swirl. Easier than it looks and perfect for sharing.

# Ingredients:

Dough

01 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm whole milk
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
03 - 2 tablespoons honey
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
06 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Filling

08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/3 cup (30 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
13 - 1/3 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme), finely chopped
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Finish

15 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
16 - Flaky sea salt

# Instructions:

01 - Combine the warm milk, yeast, and honey in a stand mixer bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, flour, and salt. Knead with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky, adding a little extra flour only if needed. Add the softened butter and knead until fully incorporated.
02 - Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled. A turned-off oven with just the light on works well.
03 - Stir together the softened butter, garlic, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, herbs, and red pepper flakes until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
04 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. Roll tightly from the opposite long edge into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
05 - Use a sharp knife to slice the log almost completely in half lengthwise, stopping about 1 inch from the top. Turn the halves so the cut sides face up, then cross the strands over each other to form a twist. Coil the twist into a round loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
06 - Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
07 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 30-35 minutes until deep golden and the internal temperature reaches 200°F. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool slightly before slicing.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served warm while the cheese is still soft.
02 - Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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