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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.

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
  • 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

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