Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful and aromatic loaf perfect for any meal. With a buttery garlic herb spread and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, it offers a delightful crust and soft interior. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your family or guests.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix softened butter with garlic and dried Italian herbs.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley.
6. Step 6: 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.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor, but reduce quantity as fresh herbs are more potent.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture.
• Substitute part of the mozzarella with shredded cheddar or fontina for a different cheese blend.
• Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking for an extra crispy crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread wrapped well for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

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 use instant yeast. If doing so, you can mix it directly into the flour without proofing in water. Adjust rising times as needed.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to knead?

Add flour gradually while kneading, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic but still slightly tacky. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the bread tender.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic Italian herbs, garlic butter, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft and chewy on the inside with a golden crust, this bread is ideal for serving warm alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Make Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, adding the remaining ½ cup flour as needed to prevent sticking. Continue until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs to create a flavorful herb butter spread.
6. Roll and Spread: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the dough.
7. Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley evenly on top of the buttered dough.
8. Shape the Loaf: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll and place it seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
9. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, until it is puffy.
10. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

• The warm water temperature should be around 110°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
• Feel free to substitute the dried Italian herb blend with fresh herbs if desired, adjusting quantities accordingly.
• For a crispier crust, bake the bread on the middle rack and place a small oven-safe dish of water below the rack to create steam.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Make sure to knead the dough sufficiently to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and elasticity.

Keywords: Italian herbs bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, garlic herb bread, mozzarella parmesan bread, savory bread recipe