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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, homemade loaf combining aromatic Italian herbs, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Soft on the inside with a golden crust, it’s perfect for serving warm as a side or snack, offering a deliciously rich and cheesy twist on classic yeast bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Cheese and Herbs

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
  3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, gradually adding the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs, mixing well to create a fragrant herb butter spread.
  6. Shape and Fill Dough: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley evenly on top.
  7. Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a loaf, pinch the seam to seal it, and place the loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
  9. Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. This Italian herbs and cheese bread is best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and aromatic herbs.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm, around 110°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading the dough sufficiently develops gluten, giving the bread a better texture.
  • Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place helps it double in size effectively.
  • You can substitute the Italian herb blend with fresh Italian herbs if preferred but reduce quantity slightly.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing to avoid crushing the loaf.
  • This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and reheat slices in the oven or toaster.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb cheese bread, homemade bread, garlic bread, Italian herbs, mozzarella cheese bread, parmesan cheese bread

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/italian-herbs-and-cheese-bread-recipe/