Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C); 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish); 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar together. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.

Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Punch down the dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, let it cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough along with the cheeses.

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter for a savory twist.

Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make kneading easier and faster.

For a crispier crust, place a pan of water on the oven floor during baking to create steam.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore freshness and crispness.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for better texture.

Do I need a loaf pan for this recipe?

A loaf pan helps shape the bread and bake it evenly, but you can also shape the dough into a free-form round or oval and bake it on a baking sheet if you prefer.