Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian herbs and cheese bread is a fragrant, flavorful treat perfect for any meal or snack. Loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, it’s sure to impress your family and guests.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix softened butter with garlic and dried herbs.
5. Step 5: Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle, spread with herb butter, and sprinkle with cheeses and parsley.
6. Step 6: Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let rise another 30-45 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. This Italian herbs and cheese bread is best served warm!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the mozzarella with fontina or provolone cheese.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bread for up to 1 month and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?

Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for the dried Italian herb blend. Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme work well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and bake it on a baking sheet. Adjust baking time slightly and look for a golden crust with a hollow sound when tapped.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

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Description

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe delivers a flavorful, aromatic loaf featuring a blend of Italian herbs, garlic butter, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft and golden on the outside, this bread is ideal served warm as a side or snack to impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

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For the 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

For the Herb Butter and Filling

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, adding leftover flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs until well combined.
6. Shape the Loaf: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley.
7. Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, pinch the seam to seal, and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffed.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly, then serve warm to enjoy its full flavor and soft texture.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
• Kneading time is crucial to develop gluten for a soft and elastic crumb.
• Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor.
• Check the bread by tapping the bottom; a hollow sound indicates it is fully baked.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.

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

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, garlic herb bread, mozzarella, parmesan, easy bread recipe