Introduction
This delightful cheese bread incorporates a flavorful herb and garlic swirl, making it a perfect accompaniment for soups or salads or a delicious snack on its own. The combination of cheddar cheese and aromatic herbs creates a comforting, savory loaf that is sure to impress family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cheese:
– 7 oz (200g) block of cheddar or tasty cheese, cut into 3mm (0.1″) thick slices of varying widths.
Herb and Garlic Swirl:
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon cooking salt (reduce by half if using fine table salt)
Dry Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups plain (all-purpose) flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda (or substitute with 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder)
– 3/4 teaspoon cooking salt (reduce by half if using table salt)
Wet Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, full fat, unsweetened)
– 3/4 cup milk (preferably full fat; low fat is acceptable)
– 2 large eggs (approximately 50-55g each)
– 3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 small garlic cloves, crushed or grated
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) for both fan and standard ovens.
2. Prepare the Loaf Tin:
Lightly grease a 21 x 11 x 7 cm (8.3 x 4.5 x 2.75″) loaf pan with butter or oil spray. Line the pan with baking (parchment) paper.
3. Make the Herb and Garlic Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a thick, dollop-able mixture forms.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and garlic until well combined.
6. Mix Batter:
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
7. Assemble the Bread:
Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Dollop one-third of the herb and garlic mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl the herb mixture into the batter, moving up and down and turning the batter over. Insert one-third of the cheese slices randomly into the batter, some fully submerged and others partially exposed. Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining batter, herb mixture, and cheese slices.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden. Remove from the oven and cover the loaf with foil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, totaling 50 minutes of baking time. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the loaf tin for 5 minutes. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool for at least another 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with butter.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) for both fan and standard ovens.
Prepare the Loaf Tin
Lightly grease a 21 x 11 x 7 cm (8.3 x 4.5 x 2.75″) loaf pan with butter or oil spray. Line the pan with baking (parchment) paper.
Make the Herb and Garlic Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a thick, dollop-able mixture forms.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and garlic until well combined.
Mix Batter
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Assemble the Bread
Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Dollop one-third of the herb and garlic mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl the herb mixture into the batter, moving up and down and turning the batter over. Insert one-third of the cheese slices randomly into the batter, some fully submerged and others partially exposed. Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining batter, herb mixture, and cheese slices.
Bake
Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden. Remove from the oven and cover the loaf with foil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, totaling 50 minutes of baking time. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the loaf tin for 5 minutes. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool for at least another 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with butter.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any type of cheese based on your preference, but cheddar or tasty cheese works best for flavor.
Herb Variations
Feel free to substitute the herbs with your favorite fresh or dried herbs based on availability.
Texture Tips
Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to the desired temperature (180°C or 350°F). Ensure it is fully heated for even baking.
Preparing the Loaf Tin
Grease the loaf pan lightly with butter or oil spray, and line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.
Making the Herb and Garlic Swirl
Combine fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and salt to create a flavorful mixture that adds depth to the bread.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda (or powder), and salt until evenly combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Whisk yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and garlic together until smooth and homogenous.
Mixing the Batter
Create a well in the dry ingredients and gently stir in wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread light.
Assembling the Bread
Layer the batter, herb mixture, and cheese slices systematically in the loaf tin, creating swirls and pockets for an attractive presentation.
Baking the Loaf
Bake in the preheated oven until golden, then cover with foil to finish baking through without over-browning. Test for doneness with a skewer.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the loaf to cool briefly in the tin, then transfer to a rack to cool before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with butter.
FAQ
What type of cheese can I use for this recipe?
Cheddar or any tasty cheese works well; choose your favorite for the best flavor.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs add more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity as they are more concentrated.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
You can substitute yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for a similar texture and flavor.
How can I ensure my bread doesn’t collapse?
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain air pockets, and ensure you follow the specified baking times and temperatures.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble it a few hours in advance. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
The herb and garlic swirl cheese bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The richness of the cheese blends beautifully with the aromatic herbs, creating a deliciously savory loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, this bread is sure to impress family and friends alike.
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