Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful twist on a classic loaf, loaded with aromatic Italian seasonings and melted cheeses. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or enjoying on its own as a savory snack.

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 warm water and sugar together. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until 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 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a more pronounced garlic flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic to the dough.
• Try swapping mozzarella for sharp provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaf with additional melted butter just after baking.
• Use a pizza stone in the oven to achieve a crispier bottom crust.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.

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. If using instant yeast, reduce the warm water by about 2 tablespoons and mix the yeast directly with the dry ingredients before adding the water.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely! Simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan, and you’ll have a flavorful Italian herb bread that’s still delicious and great with dips or spreads.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic Italian seasonings, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden crust, this bread makes an ideal accompaniment to any Italian meal or a savory snack on its own.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 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 Toppings

• 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. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar until combined. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir together until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a good texture.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Incorporate cheeses: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape and second rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes to allow the dough to puff before baking.
8. Preheat oven and prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to promote browning and add flavor.
9. Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, let it cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (45°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading the dough well is essential for good texture and elasticity.
• You can substitute the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if preferred.
• Allowing the bread to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its structure.
• This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, Italian herb and cheese loaf, baking bread, savory bread