Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a delightful homemade loaf bursting with fragrant herbs and melted cheese. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or just enjoying warm with butter.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients by whisking together all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Flatten the dough and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
6. Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a round boule and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Let the shaped dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Step 10: Score the top of the loaf with shallow slashes to help it expand during baking.
11. Step 11: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
12. Step 12: Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dry ingredients.
• Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
• Use fresh herbs if available, but adjust quantities since fresh herbs are more potent.
• Try a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking for added texture.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly 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, but reduce the warm water by about 2 tablespoons and add the yeast directly to the dry ingredients without proofing.

What if I don’t have Italian herbs on hand?

You can create a simple blend using equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme, or use a good-quality Italian seasoning mix available at most grocery stores.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic Italian herbs and a cheesy blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, elastic crumb, this bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a savory side to any meal.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
• 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs until evenly combined.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms, indicating initial dough formation.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten for structure.
5. Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough.
6. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
7. Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round boule, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Second rise: Let the shaped dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
9. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
10. Score the bread: Use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes on the surface of the dough to control expansion during baking.
11. Bake the bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
12. Cool: Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

• Using warm water at about 110°F helps activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread structure and chew.
• Letting the dough rise twice ensures a light and airy texture.
• Scoring allows controlled expansion in the oven and creates a beautiful crust pattern.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

Keywords: Italian herbs bread, cheese bread recipe, homemade bread, Italian cheese bread, savory bread loaf