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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Make the Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- 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.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs until well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
