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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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