Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf that combines fragrant dried herbs and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a tasty snack, it’s an inviting way to bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 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
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together warm water and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough along with the cheeses.
• Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning if available, adjusting quantities to taste.
• Brush the bread with garlic butter before baking for a richer crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming slices in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

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. Use about 2 teaspoons and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer a cheese-free version, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan. The herbs still provide plenty of flavor.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 433 reviews

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a delightful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect as a savory side or for sandwiches, featuring a soft, tender crumb with a golden, buttery crust.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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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

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the herbs and seasonings throughout the flour.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough starts to form.
4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten and ensures a soft crumb.
5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
6. Add Cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they are thoroughly incorporated throughout the dough.
7. Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to help achieve a golden, flavorful crust.
9. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For best results, ensure your water is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading time is important to develop gluten, which gives the bread structure and a chewy texture.
• You can substitute the Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
• Brush the top with additional melted butter after baking for extra richness.
• Store leftover bread wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, garlic bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory loaf