Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a fragrant, savory loaf perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite pasta dish. With a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and classic Italian seasonings, it’s a delicious homemade treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Step 4: Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
8. Step 8: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
9. Step 9: Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Step 11: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for a fresher aroma.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the bread on a baking stone or add a pan of water to the oven to create steam.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the water slightly as instant yeast absorbs moisture differently.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely. You can omit the cheeses and still have a flavorful Italian herb bread. Consider adding a bit more seasoning or herbs to enhance the taste.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread combines fragrant Italian seasoning and two types of cheese in a soft, flavorful loaf. With a tender crumb and a golden crust, it’s perfect as a side for your favorite meals or simply enjoyed with butter. The homemade dough is easy to prepare, rises twice for perfect texture, and bakes to a deliciously cheesy, herb-infused bread.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to combine the dry components evenly.
3. Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses into the dry mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the flour mixture.
4. Form Dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms.
5. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for a good texture.
6. First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
8. Shape Loaf: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf form and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
9. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
10. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is cooked through.
11. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is between 110°F and 115°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Kneading time is crucial for gluten development; under-kneading can result in a dense loaf.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and avoid a gummy texture.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella, Parmesan, easy bread recipe