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
Scale
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
