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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/italian-herb-and-cheese-bread-recipe/