Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for sandwiches or as a side with your favorite meal. Filled with Parmesan, mozzarella, and classic herbs, it offers a delightful homemade touch with every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
3. Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Step 7: Punch down the risen dough and fold in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
8. Step 8: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
9. Step 9: Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Step 11: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the loaf with olive oil or melted butter right after baking.
• Substitute fresh herbs like basil and oregano if available for a brighter flavor.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra Mediterranean twist.
• If you prefer a spicier bread, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

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. Use slightly less (about 2 teaspoons) and mix it directly into the dry ingredients, then add the water afterward.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely. The cheese adds flavor and texture, but you can leave it out for a simpler herb bread. You might want to increase the herbs slightly to boost the taste.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 136 reviews

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread combines fragrant dried herbs and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to create a flavorful, aromatic loaf. Perfect as a side for pasta dishes, soups, or enjoyed on its own, this bread has a soft interior with a golden, crisp crust. The recipe uses active dry yeast and requires two rises to develop a light, airy texture baked to perfection in the oven.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 10-12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Yeast Mixture

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tsp sugar

Wet Ingredients and Cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir these together to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
3. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten structure important for bread texture.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to expand.
6. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the correct temperature by the time the dough is ready to bake.
7. Incorporate cheeses: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air and fold in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly through the dough.
8. Shape the loaf: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan to hold its shape during the second rise and baking.
9. Second rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up for a lighter texture.
10. Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, signalling it is fully cooked.
11. Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain the crust texture.

Notes

• Use warm water at about 110°F/45°C to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture inside.
• For a stronger herb flavor, fresh oregano and basil can be substituted but use slightly more to compensate for dried herbs' concentrated flavor.
• This bread freezes well; wrap cooled slices tightly and thaw at room temperature before reheating.

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