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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine and Form Dough: Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
