Description
A soft, golden loaf swirled with melted mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and buttery garlic—this homemade bread is rich, fluffy, and irresistibly flavorful, perfect as a side or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- While the dough rises, melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped herbs and set aside to cool.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Brush the dough evenly with garlic herb butter, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice it lengthwise, and twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up.
- Place the twisted loaf into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Allow the bread to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
For variation, use cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to keep crust crisp and cheese gooey.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
