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
Scale
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
