Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful loaf that combines aromatic herbs, garlic butter, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect for serving warm alongside meals or enjoying on its own as a savory snack.
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
- 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 of flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed.
- Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs.
- Step 5: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil and omit the cheeses or use vegan alternatives.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Use fresh Italian herbs if available for a brighter taste, adjusting the quantity to your preference.
- Brush the cooled loaf with garlic butter again before serving to enhance the garlic flavor.
Storage
Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
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 substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water first.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F indicates it’s fully baked.
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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe yields a warm, flavorful loaf infused with garlic, a blend of Italian herbs, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for serving alongside meals or enjoying as a savory snack, this bread combines a fluffy interior with a golden, cheesy crust that’s sure to wow your family and guests.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Herbs and Cheese
- 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 active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Make Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, gradually adding the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and the dried Italian herb blend until well combined.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the prepared herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Form Loaf: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until it has doubled and is puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Serve Warm: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This bread is best enjoyed warm to savor the melted cheeses and herb flavors.
Notes
- Ensure your water is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with additional dried herbs.
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness; it can also be toasted for a crispy texture.
- You can experiment with different cheeses like provolone or asiago for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian herbs bread, cheese bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, baked bread, mozzarella cheese bread, parmesan cheese bread, savory bread
