Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread combines aromatic herbs with gooey cheeses for a comforting, flavorful loaf. Perfect as a snack, side, or sandwich base, it offers a soft texture and irresistible aroma fresh from your oven.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F–110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
• 1 tbsp Italian herb blend (dried oregano, basil, thyme, parsley)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add olive oil, salt, and half of the flour. Stir to combine. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle. Sprinkle garlic and both cheeses evenly over the dough.
6. Step 6: Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, tucking in the ends. Place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
7. Step 7: Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Step 8: Brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian herbs and extra cheese if desired.
9. Step 9: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Step 10: Cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dough.
• Try swapping the cheddar for parmesan or asiago for a different cheese profile.
• Use fresh herbs if available, adjusting quantities to taste for a vibrant aroma.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a resealable bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster to restore freshness.

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. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving in water.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?

This recipe relies on bread flour for structure, so a gluten-free version would require a suitable flour blend and additional binding agents. Adjustments are needed for best results.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

This Delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf loaded with a blend of Italian herbs, garlic, and gooey melted cheeses. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack, this homemade bread combines the best of traditional bread-making with rich Italian flavors. Its soft, fluffy crumb and golden crust make it an irresistible addition to any meal.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F–110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)

Flavorings and Cheese

• 1 tbsp Italian herb blend (dried oregano, basil, thyme, parsley)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (between 105°F and 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5–7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and half of the bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms that is slightly tacky but manageable.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it vigorously for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops the gluten for a nice texture.
4. First rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare for cheese and garlic layering: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and both the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses over the dough’s surface.
6. Shape the loaf: Carefully roll the dough up tightly in a jelly-roll style, tucking the ends underneath to seal. Place the roll seam-side down into a greased loaf pan, preparing it for the final rise.
7. Second rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until it becomes puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
8. Prepare for baking: Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil to help achieve a golden crust. Sprinkle additional Italian herb blend and extra cheese on top if desired for enhanced flavor and texture.
9. Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when lightly tapped, indicating it’s fully baked inside.
10. Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan, then remove it and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure your water temperature for activating yeast is between 105°F and 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
• To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.
• Feel free to substitute Italian herb blend with fresh herbs if available, but reduce the quantity by half as fresh herbs are more potent.
• For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
• This bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, Italian bread recipe, garlic cheese bread, savory bread loaf