Print

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a savory homemade loaf infused with aromatic dried Italian herbs and a delightful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for serving warm alongside soups, salads, or as a flavorful base for sandwiches, this bread combines rustic Italian flavors with a soft, tender crumb and a golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep it soft.
  4. First Rise (Proofing): Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or place it into a greased bread pan. Cover again and allow it to rise a second time for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Steam: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam, which helps develop a crusty exterior.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of 200-210°F indicates the bread is fully baked.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and cool it on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate yeast properly; water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
  • Feel free to customize the herbs to your preference—fresh herbs can be used but may require adjustment of quantity.
  • Adding cheese into the dough enriches flavor and adds moisture but avoid adding too much to prevent heaviness.
  • The shallow pan of water in the oven creates steam, which helps create a crisp crust on the bread.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
  • This bread freezes well; slice before freezing to easily defrost individual pieces.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian bread, cheese bread, herb bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory bread, baking bread

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/italian-herbs-and-cheese-bread-recipe/