Name: Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Extra herbs and cheese for topping (optional)

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Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and wow every bread lover you know! This Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe is the golden, crusty, delightfully herby loaf you’ll want to bake on repeat. It’s the ultimate mash-up of freshly-baked bread, gooey cheeses, and fragrant Italian herbs, coming together in a loaf that’s pillowy inside with just the right amount of cheesy, herby punch. Whether you’re serving it warm with a meal or snacking straight from the cooling rack, this is comfort you can taste and smell—a little masterpiece you’ll be proud to share (or keep all to yourself).

Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best breads come from simple yet purposeful ingredients, and this Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe is no exception. Each component brings its own magic, from pillowy softness to layers of herby and cheesy flavor, making every bite unforgettable.

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your loaf, giving it that perfect bread structure while keeping it tender.
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Helps your dough rise beautifully, ensuring a light, airy crumb.
1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory herbs and cheese.
1 teaspoon salt: Brings out all those awesome flavors and keeps your bread from tasting flat.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses the loaf with a quintessential Italian taste, fresh and aromatic.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that pairs perfectly with cheese.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle herby undertone that elevates the other spices.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory depth and a subtle garlicky kick to each slice.
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together smoothly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Delivers a touch of richness and a lovely tenderness to the bread.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey pockets, making each bite lusciously cheesy.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and brings that glorious Italian flair.
Extra herbs and cheese for topping (optional): For extra texture, flavor, and a mouthwatering finish!

How to Make Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by adding the warm water, sugar, and yeast to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for around five minutes. You’re looking for little bubbles and a foamy layer on top—this is the yeast springing to life! This all-important step ensures your loaf will rise tall, airy, and soft every time.

Step 2: Add Flavors & Begin Dough

Now it’s time for flavor central! Pour in the olive oil, salt, basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything’s combined into your yeasty potion. Next, gradually work in the flour one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls together cleanly.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Now, get your hands in there and knead for 6–8 minutes (or let a stand mixer do it for 4–5 minutes on medium). The dough should become smooth, supple, and elastic—a true sign you’ve activated the gluten and created a great foundation for your bread’s pillowy texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Pop the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour. Watch as it doubles in size! This restful rise lets the yeast work its magic, developing both structure and flavor in your Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Once the dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release any big air pockets. Shape it into a loaf and set it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan. Cover loosely and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes—this final proof gives you a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 6: Herb & Cheese Topping Prep

As your loaf rises, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the loaf with a bit of olive oil and generously sprinkle the remaining cheese and any extra herbs on top. It bakes up golden, bubbly, and outrageously aromatic!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your loaf into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. It should sound hollow when tapped and look irresistibly golden brown on top. Allow your Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes (hardest part!), then dive in and enjoy the cheesy, herb-studded interior.

How to Serve Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

You can take this loaf over the top with an extra shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil, or maybe a few extra curls of Parmesan right after baking. A brush of melted butter makes it extra decadent and adds a lovely shine.

Side Dishes

This bread is truly a crowd-pleaser alongside hearty pasta dishes, vibrant salads, or even a big bowl of soup. Pair it with classic Italian staples like lasagna, chicken parmigiana, or your favorite tomato basil soup for a cozy, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thick and toast it for out-of-this-world garlic bread, use it to upgrade your next panini, or cube and bake pieces for seriously flavorful croutons. For entertaining, cut it into mini toasts and serve with assorted spreads, olive tapenade, or herbed butter for a memorable appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s tough!), keep them fresh by wrapping the bread tightly in plastic or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavor even deepens a bit by the next day!

Freezing

This Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully! Slice it first for easy thawing, then wrap portions securely in foil and place in a freezer bag. Store frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw slices as needed for quick snacks or meals.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked texture, warm leftover slices in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven brings back that lovely crust and gooey cheese.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs add even more fragrance and color. Just triple the amount (since fresh are milder) and finely chop them before adding. The result will be a Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe bursting with garden freshness.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Definitely! A sturdy spoon and a little elbow grease do the trick. Kneading by hand is actually quite rewarding and gives you a feel for the dough, ensuring you don’t overwork it.

What cheeses work best in this loaf?

While mozzarella and Parmesan really shine, you can experiment with provolone, asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheeses melt well for the signature gooey texture of Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe.

Can I shape the dough into rolls or breadsticks?

Yes! This dough is super versatile. For rolls, form into balls and reduce baking time by about 5–10 minutes. Breadsticks just need to be shaped and baked until golden—perfect for dipping!

How do I know when the bread is finished baking?

The crust should be a deep golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Letting it cool a little first helps finish the cooking inside and lets all the cheesy, herby flavors settle.

Final Thoughts

If you adore bread that’s pillowy, cheesy, and brimming with irresistible herbs, the Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe is a must-bake. The aroma alone will lure everyone to your kitchen, and the taste will have them asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and let it become the new star of your table—I have a feeling you’ll be baking it again and again!

Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Soft and Flavorful Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe yields a delicious homemade bread infused with aromatic herbs and gooey cheese, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Instructions

Proof the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix the dough: Add olive oil, salt, herbs, garlic powder, and half of each cheese. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise the dough: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Shape and rise: Shape dough into a loaf, let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat and top: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush loaf with olive oil, sprinkle remaining cheese and herbs on top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding. Cool before slicing and serving.