Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a fragrant and flavorful loaf, perfect for complementing any meal or enjoying on its own. Soft, cheesy, and infused with garlic and herbs, it brings a warm, rustic touch to your table.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed.
- Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, mix softened butter with minced garlic and the dried Italian herb blend.
- Step 6: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise another 30-45 minutes.
- Step 8: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 9: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. It’s best served warm to enjoy the melty cheese and aromatic herbs.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or asiago for a unique twist.
- Use fresh Italian herbs if available, such as rosemary and thyme, for an even more vibrant aroma.
- Brush the top with olive oil before baking to achieve a crispier crust.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to restore warmth and crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, kneading by hand works perfectly. Just make sure to knead the dough well until it’s smooth and elastic, which may take a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have Italian herb blend?
You can create your own by mixing dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram in equal parts. This fresh blend will still give your bread great flavor.
PrintItalian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf featuring a delightful blend of Italian herbs, garlic, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory side or a warm snack, this bread combines soft, tender dough with a rich herb butter and cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Herb Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Make Dough: 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 the yeast is activated. Then add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking and to reach the right consistency.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs until well combined to create a flavorful herb butter.
- Shape and Fill Dough: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley across the top.
- Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a loaf and pinch the seam to seal. Place the rolled loaf seam side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast; around 110°F is ideal.
- Kneading is essential for gluten development, giving the bread structure and chew.
- Use fresh yeast for best rising results.
- The bread is best eaten warm but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Substitute Italian herb blend with a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme if unavailable.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a baking stone or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, garlic cheese bread, mozzarella bread, parmesan bread, homemade bread, savory bread
