Description
A visually appealing and flavorful swirled bread infused with garlic and herbs, perfect as a side dish or on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 10×12 inches.
- Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border on one of the long sides.
- Starting from the long side with the butter spread all the way to the edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the log in half lengthwise.
- Gently twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing upwards.
- Carefully shape the twisted dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter.
- If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
- Ensure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American