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Herb and Cheese Twisted Bread with Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe

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4.2 from 78 reviews

This Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection presents a detailed recipe for creating a savory twisted herb cream cheese bread. Crafted with a soft homemade yeast dough filled with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, this bread is baked until golden brown for a beautifully twisted presentation. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer, snack, or side, it combines classic baking techniques with luscious savory fillings and optional seasonings for an irresistible treat.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Filling Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Dried Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water (105-115°F), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in the stand mixer on medium speed with a dough hook for the same duration. Add additional flour one tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the kneaded dough into this bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, in a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
  7. Season the Filling: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the filling mixture to taste and mix thoroughly.
  8. Chill the Filling (Optional): For easier spreading, chill the herb cheese filling in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  10. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the trapped air.
  11. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle shape.
  12. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chilled herb cheese filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one of the longer edges to help seal the roll.
  13. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge without filling, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it securely.
  14. Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully slice the log lengthwise in half. Keep the cut sides facing upward to show the filling.
  15. Twist the Strands: Gently twist the two strands of dough together, keeping the cut sides facing up to reveal the filling pattern.
  16. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the twisted bread onto the prepared baking sheet. You can shape it into a circular ring or leave it as a long loaf, depending on your preference.
  17. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk or water to create an egg wash that will give the bread a shiny, golden crust.
  18. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the twisted bread generously with the egg wash, ensuring even coverage.
  19. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional grated Parmesan cheese, and/or dried Italian herbs over the brushed surface to enhance flavor and appearance.
  20. Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  21. Cool Slightly: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack or serving plate to cool further.

Notes

  • Ensure your warm water is between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading times may vary slightly depending on humidity and flour brand; the dough should be smooth and elastic.
  • Chilling the filling is optional but helps make spreading easier and less messy.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs may be substituted with adjusted quantities.
  • Everything bagel seasoning adds a savory crunch but can be omitted or replaced with other toppings according to taste.
  • Cover the bread while baking if it browns too fast to prevent burning.
  • Allowing the bread to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain the filling structure and texture.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/herb-and-cheese-twisted-bread-with-everything-bagel-seasoning-recipe/