Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Delicious homemade Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, featuring a fragrant blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and melted cheeses mixed into a soft, golden loaf. Perfect as a savory side or a flavorful snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir together until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which develops gluten for a good bread texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Add Cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise a second time for 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until it turns golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley, and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not too hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, adjusting water as needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or additional herbs like rosemary.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread
