Italian Herb and Cheese Bread: A Golden, Cheesy Loaf Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf bursting with bold flavors from Italian seasoning and garlic. Perfectly soft inside with a crispy crust, it makes a delicious addition to any meal or a satisfying snack on its own.
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 together warm water and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Step 4: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Place the dough in 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 mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.
- Step 9: Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Step 10: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, let the bread cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the dough.
- Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for Italian seasoning for a different twist.
- Use a mixture of cheeses such as provolone or Asiago for richer taste.
- Brushing the bread with garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter adds a deeper garlic flavor.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It remains fresh in the refrigerator for 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf in foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen or refrigerated bread in the oven at 350°F for the best texture.
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 for active dry yeast using the same amount, but add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely. You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
PrintItalian Herb and Cheese Bread: A Golden, Cheesy Loaf Bursting with Flavor Recipe
A golden, cheesy Italian herb bread loaf bursting with flavors from mozzarella, Parmesan, and fragrant Italian seasonings. This soft yet crusty bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own fresh from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the dough.
- Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a rough dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Second Rise: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the top of the loaf generously with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Garnish and Cool: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a flavorful and colorful garnish. Allow the loaf to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend freshness.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw frozen bread and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for best texture.
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading well is key to a good crumb and texture.
Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory bread loaf
