Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
