Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Italian Herb Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic treat perfect for any occasion. With a crispy crust and a cheesy, herb-infused interior, it makes a wonderful accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a snack on its own.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan)
• 2 tablespoons Italian herbs (a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and Italian herbs. Create a well in the center.
3. Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and knead in the shredded cheese evenly.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf or round boule and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle additional Italian herbs before baking.
• Substitute different cheeses like sharp cheddar or asiago for a unique twist.
• Add minced garlic or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for more complexity.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a damp towel while it cools.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh, warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before reheating.

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 using slightly less quantity. Mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water first.

What types of cheese work best in this bread?

Cheeses that melt well such as mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, or asiago are great choices. You can mix cheeses for richer flavor.

Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

This Italian Herb Cheese Bread is a delightful homemade loaf featuring a fragrant blend of Italian herbs and melted cheese, wrapped in a soft, golden crust. Perfect as a savory snack or a flavorful accompaniment to your meals, this bread combines simple ingredients with easy steps to bring a taste of Italy to your table.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)

Dairy

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for brushing

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and Italian herbs. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hand until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Add Cheese and Herbs: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough. Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and any additional Italian herbs if desired, ensuring an even distribution of cheese throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Loaf: Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
7. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the loaf lightly with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to set the crumb and enhance flavor.

Notes

• For a stronger herb flavor, increase Italian herbs to 3 teaspoons.
• Use warm water at around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to revive texture and flavor.

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