Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, fluffy loaf bursting with cheesy goodness and fragrant herbs, then you are absolutely going to adore this Italian Herbs Cheese Bread. It’s a perfect harmony of soft bread enriched with gooey mozzarella, the sharp bite of Parmesan, and a lively blend of Italian herbs that make every slice irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a casual get-together, or simply craving a cozy homemade treat, this bread will quickly become your new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Italian Herbs Cheese Bread starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays its role in creating that delightful texture, aroma, and irresistible flavor that defines this loaf.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the savory flavors.
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet): The secret to a perfectly risen and airy loaf.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast growth.
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herb blend: Infuses the bread with classic Mediterranean flavor and aroma.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential savory kick.
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the dough soft and tender while adding richness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy delight.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that elevates the cheese blend.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing): Gives the crust a lovely golden sheen and extra flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano (for topping): A final herbaceous touch that’s both aromatic and visually appealing.
How to Make Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Step 1: Mixing Your Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder in a large bowl. These dry ingredients are like the foundation of a flavorful fortress. Then, add the warm water and olive oil. Stir everything together until a soft dough begins to form. The warmth of the water energizes the yeast for that perfect rise.
Step 2: Kneading to Perfection
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes. This step is your workout session with a delicious reward at the end. Kneading builds elasticity, making your bread wonderfully soft yet structured so it rises beautifully.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and tuck it away in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. This is when the yeast gets to work, creating all those air pockets we love in fresh bread.
Step 4: Shaping and Adding Cheese
Punch down the dough gently, then roll it out into a 9×13 inch rectangle. Spread the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough’s surface. This cheesy layer is what transforms an ordinary loaf into irresistible Italian Herbs Cheese Bread.
Step 5: Rolling and Second Rise
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and pinch the seams closed to seal in all the cheesy goodness. Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise ensures a light, fluffy crumb with cheesy pockets throughout.
Step 6: Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf’s top with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the loaf turns a gorgeous golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The savory aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the bread cool slightly before slicing. This rest period lets the cheese set just enough for perfect slices that ooze flavor without being messy.
How to Serve Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Garnishes
While the bread is packed with flavor, adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving can add a burst of freshness and elevate the experience. A quick spread of garlic butter takes this bread to true indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Italian Herbs Cheese Bread pairs beautifully with vibrant tomato soup, a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or alongside a hearty pasta dish for a complete Italian-inspired meal. It’s companionable with just about anything that calls for a flavorful, cheesy bread sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread horizontally and turning the slices into grilled cheese sandwiches for a fun twist. You can also cube it and toast for flavorful croutons or bread bites perfect for dipping into olive oil or marinara sauce. Presentation is a playground with such a versatile bread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Italian Herbs Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain softness and flavor.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and then plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe bag. When you want a fresh slice, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Reheating
To bring the bread back to life, warm your slices in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crispness and melts the cheese just a bit for that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor, but you’ll want to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to dried to achieve the same intensity.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary, especially with texture and rise.
Can I add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes?
Definitely! Adding sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives before rolling the dough adds a delightful twist and more depth to the flavor profile.
What is the best way to slice this bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and allow the loaf to cool slightly to make clean, neat slices without squishing the soft interior.
How long does it take for the dough to rise?
The first rise usually takes about 1 hour in a warm place until the dough doubles. The second rise is shorter, about 30 minutes, just until puffy again.
Final Thoughts
Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is truly a game-changer in the world of homemade breads — combining simplicity with incredible flavor that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished staple. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this divine bread that tastes just like Italy in every bite!
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Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is a savory, aromatic loaf bursting with classic Italian flavors and loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or enjoyed warm on its own, this homemade bread combines a blend of dried Italian herbs and garlic powder for a fragrant and delicious twist. Easy to make and ideal for sharing, it offers a satisfying texture and rich cheesy taste that pairs wonderfully with any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herb blend
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (for topping)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, dried Italian herb blend, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms that just comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a good bread structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Fill: Punch down the risen dough to release gases and roll it out on a floured surface into a large 9×13 inch rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the surface.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal firmly so the cheese stays inside during baking.
- Second Rise: Place the rolled loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes to become puffy.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil for a golden crust and sprinkle dried oregano evenly over it for extra Italian flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing into 10 to 12 pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side or sandwich base.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives evenly over the dough before rolling it up.
- This bread makes excellent grilled cheese or sandwich slices, pairing well with Italian cold cuts or fresh vegetables.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Use warm water around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it for optimal rise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
