Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own. Infused with garlic, a blend of Italian herbs, and two kinds of cheese, it bakes up golden and irresistibly delicious.
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 it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Step 2: Stir in the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs until combined.
- Step 6: Roll the risen dough into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley on top.
- Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal. Place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9 by 5-inch loaf pan.
- Step 8: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
- Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 10: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle a little more mozzarella and parmesan on the loaf before baking.
- Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you don’t have an Italian herb blend.
- You can use whole wheat flour for half the amount of all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and more fiber.
- Brush the finished loaf with a little olive oil or melted butter for a shiny, soft crust.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze wrapped bread for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until warmed through to restore freshness.
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 the same amount. Since instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in water first, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I make this bread without the garlic butter spread?
While the garlic herb butter adds great flavor, you can omit it and simply sprinkle the herbs and cheese directly onto the dough before rolling if you prefer a milder taste.
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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a savory, aromatic loaf packed with garlic, Italian herbs, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft and flavorful, it’s homemade bread baked to golden perfection, ideal for serving warm alongside meals or as a delicious snack.
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 Mixture
- 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 it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, incorporating the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the 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 softened butter, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs in a small bowl and mix well.
- Roll Dough & Add Toppings: Once risen, roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Shape Loaf: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until it has puffed up.
- Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use warm water at approximately 110°F to properly activate the yeast.
- Kneading time is key for gluten development; do not skip or shorten this step.
- Ensure the dough doubles in size during rising for a light, fluffy texture.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted if dried Italian herbs are unavailable.
- Serve this bread fresh and warm for the best taste; it can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian herb bread, garlic bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, savory bread, mozzarella bread
