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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/italian-herb-cheese-bread-recipe/