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–+ servings
Freshly baked swirled garlic herb bread with golden brown crust, flaky layers, and vibrant green herb filling on a wooden board, garnished with fresh basil and coarse sea salt.

Twisted Garlic Herb Loaf

Soft, buttery layers of bread infused with aromatic herbs and a gentle touch of garlic make this loaf irresistible and cozy for any meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
rising 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: side, Snack
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 795
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup warm whole milk heated to about 110°F/43°C for yeast activation
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast active dry or instant works
  • 2 tablespoons honey for gentle sweetness and yeast nourishment
  • 3 large eggs room temperature for smooth dough
  • 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting surface
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or fine sea salt
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter softened, plus extra for brushing
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced or grated, for subtle flavor
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for nutty, savory layers
  • ½ cup fresh basil finely chopped, aromatic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped, earthy flavor

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer with dough hook attachment for kneading
  • 1 Large mixing bowl for initial dough mixing
  • 1 Plastic wrap to cover dough while rising
  • 1 Small bowl for mixing herb butter
  • 1 Rolling pin for flattening the dough into rectangle
  • 1 Sharp knife for slicing dough lengthwise
  • 1 Parchment-lined baking sheet for baking the twisted loaf
  • 1 Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking

Method
 

  1. Combine the warm milk, yeast, honey, eggs, 3 ½ cups of flour, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the dough hook to knead until the mixture forms a soft dough, about 4-5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the softened butter and knead 2-3 more minutes until incorporated. If sticky, gradually mix in remaining flour until smooth to the touch.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
  3. While the dough rests, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons butter with garlic, Parmesan, basil, thyme, and sage in a small bowl until blended.
  4. Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it on a lightly floured surface into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough. Starting with the long edge nearest you, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal the edge.
  5. Carefully slice the log in half lengthwise, leaving a small section connected at one end. Turn the halves to reveal the herb filling and loosely twist them over each other to form a long spiral.
  6. Form each twisted half into a coil: one spiraling clockwise and the other counterclockwise. Place carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove and brush the top with additional butter. Slice and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 795kcalCarbohydrates: 85gProtein: 20gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Warm, tender, and swirled with aromatic herbs, this bread feels like a hug in every slice. Perfect for family dinners, friendly gatherings, or cozy fall nights, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite.

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