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
Scale
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
