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Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 123 reviews

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.

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 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

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