Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, the comforting scent of cheddar cheese, parsley, and dill swirling together in a warm loaf. With its soft texture, cheesy filling, and earthy herbs, Cheddar Herb Swirl Bread: A Savory Twist on Classic Loaf is the perfect way to elevate your homemade bread game. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, snack, or centerpiece for a meal, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory Perfection: A rich blend of cheddar and fresh herbs adds bold flavors to every slice.
- Beginner-Friendly: No advanced baking skills are required—just a bit of time and love.
- Customizable: Swap out herbs or cheese to create your own flavor combinations.
- Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients for Cheddar Herb Swirl Bread
| Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| For the Bread Dough | Warm water | 1 cup | Helps activate the yeast |
| Active dry yeast | 1 tablespoon | Essential for rising | |
| Milk (whole or 2%) | 1 cup | Adds richness to the dough | |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ¼ cup | Enhances flavor and texture | |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons | Balances the flavors | |
| Bread flour | 5½–6 cups | Provides structure and elasticity | |
| For the Filling | Minced Italian parsley | 3 tablespoons | Adds a fresh herbal note |
| Minced dill weed | 3 tablespoons | Earthy and slightly tangy flavor | |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 3 cups | Melts beautifully and adds richness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
- Add the milk, melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of bread flour. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft but no longer sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, combine the minced parsley, dill weed, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
3. Roll and Fill the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll out one portion into a rectangle approximately 1 cm thick.
- Sprinkle half of the herb and cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining filling.
4. Second Rise and Baking
- Place the dough logs seam-side down into greased loaf pans.
- Cover the pans loosely with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the loaves for 30–35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheddar Herb Swirl Bread
Get the Dough Just Right
- The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add flour gradually to avoid over-drying.
Distribute the Filling Evenly
- Spread the herb and cheese mixture across the dough evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise
- Allowing the dough to puff up again ensures a light, fluffy texture.
Use High-Quality Cheese
- Opt for freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
How to Customize Your Swirl Bread
- Cheese Variations: Try gouda, gruyere, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Herb Options: Experiment with basil, chives, or oregano in place of parsley and dill.
- Add Garlic: Sprinkle minced or roasted garlic over the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with soups, stews, or a fresh salad.
- For Sandwiches: Use as the base for gourmet grilled cheese or deli sandwiches.
- Snack Time: Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or marinara dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
Note: Values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
FAQs About Cheddar Herb Swirl Bread
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free bread flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it should work well.
2. How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! After rolling and filling the dough, wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw and let rise before baking.
4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it’s better to shred your own. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and has a creamier texture.
5. What’s the best way to reheat this bread?
Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
6. Can I make mini loaves instead?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake in mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Why You Should Bake This Recipe Today
Cheddar Herb Swirl Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the therapeutic process of kneading dough to the irresistible scent of herbs and cheese wafting through your kitchen, this bread is sure to delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this foolproof recipe will leave you with a stunning loaf that’s as delicious as it is impressive. Gather your ingredients and start baking your masterpiece today!
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Cheddar Herb Swirl Bread: A Savory Twist on Classic Loaf
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 Slice 1x
Description
This soft and fluffy bread is swirled with cheddarcheese, parsley, and dill for a savory loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches,toast, or serving alongside soups and stews.
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5½ –6 cups bread flour
For the Filling Split Between Two Loaves:
- 3 tablespoons minced Italian parsley
- 3 tablespoons minced dill weed
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough : In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the milk, melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of bread flour. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling : In a bowl, combine the minced parsley, dill weed, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
- Roll and Fill the Dough : After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out one portion into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Sprinkle half of the herb and cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one short end to the other, creating a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining filling.
- Second Rise and Baking : Place the dough logs seam-side down in greased loaf pans. Cover loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until slightly puffed. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and allow the loaves to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually.
- Cheese Substitutes: Feel free to swap cheddar with gouda, gruyere, or a cheese blend for a new flavor profile.
- Proofing Tip: If your kitchen is cold, use a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to proof the dough.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American