Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs until evenly combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough.
- 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.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round boule, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Let the shaped dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
- Score the bread: Use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes on the surface of the dough to control expansion during baking.
- 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.
- 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
