Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a fragrant, flavorful loaf perfect for any meal. Soft and chewy with a buttery garlic herb filling and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
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 the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter with minced garlic and the dried Italian herbs to create the herb butter.
- Step 5: Once risen, roll the dough out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley on top.
- Step 6: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then place it seam side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Serve warm for best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried Italian herbs.
- You can substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
- Brush the top of the loaf with extra melted butter right after baking for a rich, glossy finish.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, warm water should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not hot.
Storage
Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh the texture and melt the cheese.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used. Reduce the rising time slightly, as instant yeast acts faster, and you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Is it possible to make this bread without fresh parsley?
Absolutely. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can omit it or use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes for a similar flavor.
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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe combines fragrant Italian herbs and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses to create a flavorful, aromatic loaf. The dough is enriched with olive oil and garlic herb butter, rolled and baked to perfection, making it a perfect accompaniment for meals or enjoyed on its own warm.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix and Form Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir together until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herb blend to create a flavorful herb butter.
- Shape and Add Fillings: Roll the risen dough out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley evenly on top.
- Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a loaf shape. Pinch the seam to seal, place the loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, and cover. Allow it to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve the Italian herbs and cheese bread warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Add flour gradually during kneading to prevent a tough dough.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve warm or toasted with butter or alongside soups and salads.
- Substitute Italian herb blend with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, Italian herbs, mozzarella bread, parmesan bread, garlic bread
