Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’re craving something that fills your home with irresistible aroma and your taste buds with layers of flavor, this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is the perfect bake to try. Combining the rustic charm of hearty bread with the fragrant punch of Italian herbs and the melty goodness of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a soul-satisfying treat that’s simple to make yet profoundly delicious. Each bite offers a delightful balance of soft crumb and golden crust, enhanced by herbs that sing and cheese that melts into every nook and cranny. Whether for an everyday dinner side or a special gathering, this bread will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking spectacular Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread. Each item plays an important role in bringing harmony to the flavor, texture, and appearance of the loaf.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewy texture essential for a hearty bread.
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magic behind the rise, making the bread light and airy.
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for perfect dough consistency.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances the flavors and controls yeast fermentation.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the herbs and cheese.
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that defines this bread’s signature taste.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy, stringy goodness that melts beautifully throughout the bread.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, sharp contrast to the mozzarella, deepening the flavor complexity.
- Extra flour for dusting: Helps prevent sticking during kneading and shaping.
How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast in warm water mixed with sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see it froth up — this shows your yeast is ready to work its magic. Then, add the flour, salt, your aromatic Italian herbs, and all that wonderful shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir everything until a sticky dough comes together; this initial mix is the foundation for your perfectly flavored bread.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer your sticky dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes. This kneading process develops the gluten, which gives bread its stretchy, elastic texture. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much or the bread will become dense. The goal here is a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when pressed lightly.
Step 3: Proof the Dough
Once kneaded, place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This resting time lets the yeast create gas bubbles that fluff up the dough, resulting in a tender crumb and airy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release built-up air. Shape it into a loaf, or place it in a greased bread pan for a uniform shape. Cover it again and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures a light, fluffy loaf with a beautifully risen top.
Step 5: Bake the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam. The steam gives your bread a lovely crust. Bake the loaf for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If you have a thermometer handy, the internal temperature should reach between 200 and 210°F, signaling your bread is perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and cool it on a wire rack. Cooling prevents the crust from becoming soggy and allows the cheese to set just right. Slice it warm or at room temperature to savor the full flavors and chewy, cheesy delight.
How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Garnishes
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by brushing the crust lightly with olive oil or garlic butter just before baking for an extra glossy, fragrant finish. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right after baking adds a pop of color and freshness that highlights those lovely Italian herbs inside.
Side Dishes
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato basil or minestrone, balancing the warmth and herbaceous notes. It’s also fantastic with antipasti plates featuring cured meats, olives, and roasted vegetables, or simply alongside a rich pasta sauce to mop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread and make mini open-faced sandwiches topped with prosciutto, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also serve it as cheesy croutons by cubing leftovers, tossing them with olive oil, and toasting until crisp for salads and soups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the moisture and prevents the crust from becoming tough.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious bread longer, freeze it after it has completely cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. Frozen bread tastes best when used within a month.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the bread and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the crispness of the crust and refreshes the melted cheeses inside. Avoid microwaving to prevent a chewy, gummy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?
You absolutely can, but since fresh herbs are more delicate and moist, use about three times the amount that dried herbs call for. Adding them during mixing rather than kneading helps preserve their flavor without overworking the dough.
Is this bread suitable for beginners?
Yes! This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for those new to baking bread. Just follow the steps carefully, especially during proofing and kneading, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious loaf.
What cheeses work best besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
While mozzarella and Parmesan offer a classic combination, you can experiment with provolone, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind melting properties — some cheeses melt differently and might alter the texture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
For gluten-free baking, you would need a specialized blend of flours designed for bread along with a binding agent like xanthan gum. This recipe was designed with traditional all-purpose flour in mind, so gluten-free results will vary and may need recipe adjustments.
Does the water pan during baking really make a difference?
Yes, adding a shallow pan of water to create steam in the oven helps develop a crisp crust by slowing down the hardening of the crust during baking. This allows the bread to expand fully and develop that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about pulling a warm loaf of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread fresh from your oven — the aroma, the crispy crust, and the bursts of melted cheesy goodness wrapped in herby goodness. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing bread that elevates any meal or even stands beautifully on its own. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this personal favorite as much as I do. Happy baking!
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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade bread infused with a blend of classic Italian herbs and a delicious mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. With a crispy golden crust and a soft, cheesy interior, this bread is perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or as a tasty snack on its own.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Yeast
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan to the yeast mixture. Mix together until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a small amount of flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
- Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough to release the air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or place it into a greased bread pan. Cover it again and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam, which helps develop a crisp crust.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it turns a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. An internal temperature between 200-210°F ensures it is thoroughly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Adding steam in the oven helps achieve a crispy crust.
- For a stronger herb flavor, increase the Italian herbs to 3 tablespoons.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for moisture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Italian bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, herb bread, baked bread, Italian herbs
