Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a delightful homemade loaf that combines aromatic herbs with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own, it offers a soft texture with a flavorful crust.

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 cheese until they are evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan, and let it rise for another 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 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the top with fresh parsley, let the bread cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough along with the cheeses.
• Use a combination of cheeses like fontina or provolone for a different cheesy profile.
• If you prefer a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for best results.

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 about 25% less than the amount of active dry yeast. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely! You can omit the cheeses for a simple Italian herb bread. The herbs and garlic powder will still give plenty of flavor.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a savory homemade loaf infused with dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft with a golden crust, this bread is great for sandwiches, dipping, or as an accompaniment to any meal.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the flavorings throughout the dough.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together and form a shaggy mass.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
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. Incorporate cheeses: Punch down the risen dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they are evenly distributed.
7. Shape and second rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes to allow it to puff up again.
8. Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to promote browning and a rich flavor. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden and a hollow sound is heard when tapped.
9. Cool and garnish: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley, and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F (45°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading is crucial for gluten development; ensure dough is smooth and elastic before first rise.
• You can substitute dried Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if unavailable.
• Brush with melted butter right before baking for a softer crust, or after baking for a shiny finish.
• Cool bread completely before storing to avoid soggy texture inside the container.

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