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Italian Herb and Cheese Bread: A Golden, Cheesy Loaf Bursting with Flavor Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Bake: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. 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

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/italian-herb-and-cheese-bread-a-golden-cheesy-loaf-bursting-with-flavor-recipe/