Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the warm, savory flavors of this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, perfect for any meal or snack. It combines fragrant herbs with gooey cheeses for a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together warm water and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough, then knead in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the baked bread with fresh parsley, let it cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough before the second rise.
• Use fresh Italian herbs if available for a brighter, fresher taste.
• Try substituting the mozzarella with fontina or provolone for a different cheese texture.
• Brush with garlic butter before baking for an even richer crust.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

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 use instant yeast. Reduce the warm water by about 1/4 cup and mix the yeast directly with the dry ingredients before adding the water and olive oil.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem—combine equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to make your own Italian seasoning blend for this recipe.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

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Description

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf, infused with classic Italian seasoning, garlic powder, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft inside with a golden crust, it’s ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or alongside pasta dishes. Easy to make with basic ingredients, this bread combines Italian herbs and cheeses for a savory treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Cheeses and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Combine and Form Dough: Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring good gluten development.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Add Cheeses: Punch down the risen dough to remove excess air, then knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
7. Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes to puff up.
8. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to encourage browning and bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness, and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading is essential for gluten development; don’t rush this step to ensure a good texture.
• You can substitute fresh herbs for dried Italian seasoning if preferred, roughly doubling the amount for stronger flavor.
• Brush the loaf with garlic-infused olive oil before baking for an extra garlic flavor twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread