Description
This Italian herb cheese bread is a flavorful and aromatic treat that combines a soft, fluffy bread base with a rich, herbed cream cheese filling. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Let dough rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Mix all filling ingredients in a bowl.
- Season to Taste: Season filling with salt and pepper.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
- Punch Down the Dough: Deflate the risen dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll into a rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Spread filling over dough.
- Roll Up the Dough: Roll dough into a log.
- Cut the Log: Cut log in half lengthwise.
- Twist the Strands: Twist the two strands together.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place twisted bread on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk egg and milk together.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush bread with egg wash.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with seasonings.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Cool Slightly: Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the herbs and spices in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making the bread dough from scratch.
- This bread is best served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Italian herb cheese bread, herb cheese bread recipe, savory bread recipe, homemade bread with cheese, Italian bread recipe
