Mediterranean Swirled Garlic & Herb Cheese Bread.

Here’s a flavor-packed, bakery-style recipe for Mediterranean Swirled Garlic & Herb Cheese Bread 🫒🧄🧀
Soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Mediterranean Swirled Garlic & Herb Cheese Bread

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Herb Filling

• 4 tbsp butter, softened

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup crumbled feta

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Pinch of salt & black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• Sliced Kalamata olives

• Fresh rosemary or thyme

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

   • In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.

   • Add warm water and olive oil.

   • Knead until soft and elastic (8–10 minutes).

   • Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.

2. Prepare the Filling

   • Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs, cheeses, salt, and pepper.

3. Roll & Fill

   • Roll dough into a large rectangle.

   • Spread garlic herb mixture evenly over the dough.

   • Sprinkle any optional add-ins.

4. Create the Swirl

   • Roll dough tightly into a log.

   • Slice lengthwise down the center.

   • Twist the two halves together, cut side up.

5. Second Rise

   • Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.

   • Cover and rise 30 minutes.

6. Bake

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Bake 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Finish

   • Brush with olive oil or melted butter.

   • Sprinkle extra herbs or feta on top.

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with olive oil & balsamic dip

• Perfect alongside soups, salads, or pasta

• Amazing as a pull-apart appetizer

Pro Tips

• Use bread flour for extra chew.

• Let cool slightly before slicing to keep the swirl intact.

• Store wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze.

If you’d like, I can:

• Make a no-yeast quick bread version

• Turn this into stuffed rolls or knots

• Create a vegan or gluten-free adaptation

• Write this as a bakery-style menu description