Italian Herb Cheese Bread:
This Italian Herb Cheese Bread recipe is a delightful treat that combines savory herbs, three types of cheese, and a soft, fluffy bread dough. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Bread Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Egg Wash and Toppings:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried Italian herbs
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Mix all cheese filling ingredients in a bowl.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to the filling.
- Chill the Filling (Optional): Chill the filling for easier spreading.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven and line a baking sheet.
- Punch Down the Dough: Deflate the risen dough gently.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the filling over the dough.
- Roll Up the Dough: Roll the dough into a log and seal the seam.
- Cut the Log: Cut the log lengthwise and twist the strands together.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the twisted bread on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and milk together.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the bread with the egg wash.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle with seasonings.
- Bake: Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Cool the bread before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite herbs and cheeses.
- Feel free to add other toppings like sesame seeds or chopped nuts.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Italian Herb Cheese Bread, Cheese Bread Recipe, Homemade Bread, Herb Bread, Baking