Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful twist on classic homemade bread. Infused with garlic, a blend of Italian herbs, and two types of cheese, it makes a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious snack on its own.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Then add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix everything until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, incorporating the remaining flour as needed.
- Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Step 4: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs until well combined.
- Step 5: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, and chopped parsley.
- Step 6: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. For best flavor, serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a fresh packet of yeast and ensure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Feel free to add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
Storage
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme for the dried Italian herb blend. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to match the flavor intensity.
Can I make this bread without cheese?
Absolutely. You can omit the cheeses for a simpler herb bread. You might want to add a bit more garlic butter or herbs to maintain the flavor.
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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe combines aromatic dried herbs, garlic butter, and a flavorful blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses baked into a soft, golden loaf. Perfect for serving warm alongside meals or enjoying as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Herb Butter and Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, incorporating the remaining flour as necessary to avoid stickiness.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs to create the flavorful herb butter.
- Shape and Fill Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Form Loaf: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll and place it seam side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the water is not too hot when activating the yeast; 110°F is ideal to prevent killing the yeast.
- You can substitute Italian herb blend with individual herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if preferred.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the loaf with olive oil before baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- This bread freezes well; slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, savory bread
