Follow this recipe to bake a soft, flavorful artisan loaf featuring a distinct swirl of garlic, herbs, and cheese.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:165 min
Yield:1 loaf
Category:Breads
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling: Mix the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, chives, and oregano in a small bowl.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll or pat it into a large rectangle, about 10 by 16 inches.
Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture over the buttered surface, leaving a 1-inch border along one long edge bare.
Starting from the long edge opposite the bare border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed firmly.
Gently stretch the log slightly and then carefully twist it into a loose spiral or shape it into a loaf to fit a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
Cover the loaf pan loosely and let it proof for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of proofing.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the bread from the pan immediately and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a better crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little extra melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
You can substitute the fresh herbs with 1.5 teaspoons of your favorite dried Italian seasoning blend.