Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own. With a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and melted cheeses, it brings a delightful aroma and taste to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the warm water and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and knead in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until the cheeses are evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the baked bread with fresh parsley. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, cover the loaf with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Substitute the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a different flavor.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough for a savory twist.
• Use a pizza stone to bake the bread for a crispier bottom crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use about 25% less instant yeast and add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in water.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in size and holds a slight indentation when gently pressed with a fingertip.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 82 reviews

This classic Italian Herb and Cheese Bread combines fragrant dried Italian herbs with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked into a golden, crusty loaf. Perfect as a savory accompaniment to meals or enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Cheese and Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar together then add the yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
5. First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Add cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
7. Shape loaf and second rise: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes until it puffs up.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter. Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Make sure the water is warm (about 110°F/45°C) to properly activate the yeast; too hot will kill the yeast.
• Kneading is crucial to develop gluten for a chewy, elastic bread texture.
• You can substitute dried parsley if fresh is unavailable, but fresh adds vibrant color and flavor.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory loaf, easy bread recipe