Description
Delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, fresh, and warm bread bursting with Italian herbs and melty cheeses. With a soft inside, golden crispy crust, and an irresistible savory aroma, it’s perfect as a snack, side dish, or accompaniment to soups and pasta. This recipe is simple to prepare, versatile for customization, and suitable for home bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb mix (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Start by dissolving the instant yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy — this means the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, Italian herb mix, and garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir together until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten, giving the bread its desirable chewy texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Add Cheese and Shape: Punch down the risen dough and gently fold in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Shape the dough into a loaf or rounds depending on your preference.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, cover again, and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes. This final rise ensures a soft yet airy bread.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and offers fresher flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t skimp on kneading: Proper gluten development will make a noticeable difference in crumb structure.
- Warm rise environment: A warm, draft-free spot helps the dough rise quickly and fully.
- Brush with olive oil before baking: This enhances crust color and adds a delicious subtle richness.
- Rest before slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes to finish baking internally and avoid gumminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, savory bread, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian herbs, baking bread
