Imagine the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and aromatic herbs. This Swirled Garlic Herb Bread is not just any loaf; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will elevate your dining experience and impress your guests. With a golden crust and a soft, flavorful interior, this Italian-inspired bread is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Ready to unleash your inner baker? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and activates the yeast.
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic herb filling by mixing minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs together.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16x10 inches.
- Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a spiral log with the herbs and garlic distributed throughout.
- Place the rolled dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil or an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Choose the Right Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor. Experiment with a combination of rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a delightful twist.
- Activate the Yeast: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast. A temperature around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives your bread its wonderful texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Perfect Rising Environment: To help the dough rise, place it in a warm, draft-free area. You can turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Rolling Technique: When rolling the dough, be gentle to avoid tearing. Ensure the garlic and herbs are evenly spread for a beautiful swirl in every slice.
- Check for Doneness: To know if your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes for cleaner slices.Enjoy your baking adventure, and savor each delicious bite of this Swirled Garlic Herb Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
