Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for any meal or as a delicious snack. Soft and cheesy on the inside with a golden crust, it combines classic Italian herbs and melted cheese for a delightful homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture.
• Substitute provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheesy twist.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use extra dried herbs instead.
• Make sure your water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese.

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 using the same amount, but mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.

Can I add other herbs or spices to this bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or basil to customize the flavor to your liking.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, soft loaf infused with garlic, a blend of dried Italian herbs, and topped with a delicious mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a warm side for dinner or as a savory snack, this homemade bread combines classic Italian flavors in a beautifully baked, golden crust loaf.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Herb Butter Topping

• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Form the dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. First rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare herb butter: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and the dried Italian herb blend until well combined.
6. Shape and layer: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
7. Roll and second rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape, pinch the seam to seal, and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Serve: Let the bread cool slightly, then serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of Italian cheeses if preferred.
• For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and omit cheese or use vegan cheese.
• This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Adding fresh minced herbs along with dried herbs can enhance the flavor further.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, garlic bread, savory bread