Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
When you crave the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with savory herbs and melty cheese, Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread rises to the occasion. This loaf is beautifully golden, fragrant, and packed with flavor, making it a showstopper at any meal or a simple, decadent treat on its own. With a tender crumb and crispy crust, it’s the recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want to add a little Italian magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread are simple but mighty. Each one brings its unique charm, combining for a bread that’s rich in flavor, soft in texture, and crowned with a cheesy, herby finish.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure and chew, this simple pantry staple keeps the crumb light and airy.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to that beautiful rise, yeast helps the loaf grow tall while developing depth of flavor.
- Warm water (about 110°F): Just the right temperature ensures the yeast wakes up gently and starts bubbling.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, supports color and crust, and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
- Sugar: Gives a slight sweetness and also feeds the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully.
- Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary): The flavor heart of this bread, these herbs infuse every slice with savory, truly Italian notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch, melt, and a mild, creamy richness to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings those salty, nutty undertones and a golden finish on top.
- Extra flour for dusting: Helps keep your dough manageable while kneading and shaping.
How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy on top. This step lets you know the yeast is active and ready to work its magic! Next, add the flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—your hands will bring it all together next!
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Dust a clean countertop with a little extra flour, then turn out your dough. Knead it by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes, folding and pressing until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky. If it’s sticking to your hands too much, sprinkle on a bit more flour as you go. This is where you build those wonderful chewy strands that make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread so satisfying.
Step 3: Proof the Dough
Place the kneaded dough in a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and place the bowl somewhere warm. Let the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours until it has doubled in size, developing lovely air pockets and a pillowy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Punch down your risen dough gently to release some of the air. Shape it into a loaf—either freeform for a rustic look or nestled in a greased bread pan for a neater slice. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes, giving the loaf one final puff of life before baking.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). For a professional bakery touch, place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of your oven while it heats. This steam helps develop a crust that’s crisp and golden—one of the hallmarks of a great Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Slide your loaf into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bread should turn gloriously golden and sound hollow when you tap it. For ultimate precision, check that the internal temperature reaches 200 to 210°F using a kitchen thermometer. That’s the secret to a perfectly baked loaf inside and out.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy. Slice it while it’s still a little warm if you can’t resist, or let it cool to room temperature for the perfect texture. Enjoy that tempting aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s hard to wait!
How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A finishing touch elevates homemade bread from delicious to unforgettable. Brush the still-warm loaf with a touch of melted butter and a sprinkle of extra Italian herbs, or even a dash more grated Parmesan for ultra-savory appeal. For a rustic look, try a few twists of cracked black pepper on top. Each garnish layers in even more inviting flavor.
Side Dishes
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread makes a dreamy companion to so many dishes. Serve generous slices alongside hearty soups, crisp salads, or classic pasta entrees. It’s perfect for dunking in tomato sauce or mopping up every drop of a creamy risotto. If your meal needs a show-stealing side, this bread stands ready to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or family dinners, consider slicing your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread into thick wedges for sharing, or even hollowing out a round loaf to create an edible bread bowl for dips and soups. Top toasted slices with bruschetta-style toppings, or build the world’s best grilled cheese using this aromatic loaf—no one will ever forget your meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (which is rare because it disappears fast), let it cool completely, then wrap it snugly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as that can dry it out faster.
Freezing
To stretch out the magic, you can freeze your bread. Wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and tuck it into the freezer. It keeps its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When the craving strikes, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently to revive.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to keep the moisture in. Or, give individual pieces a super-quick zap in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Either way, the cheese will be melty, the aroma will come alive, and you’ll fall in love with Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs add bright, vibrant flavor. Just use about three times the amount called for dried; chop them finely and mix in as directed. Your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread will taste garden-fresh and wonderfully aromatic.
What if I don’t have Parmesan or mozzarella?
No need to panic. You can substitute other cheeses like fontina, asiago, or provolone for different flavors. The key is to stick to cheeses that melt well and offer a savory bite to keep the spirit of the bread intact.
How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?
The most reliable way is to gently press a finger into the dough; if the indentation springs back slowly and partially fills in, you’re ready to shape. A fully risen dough should be puffy and nearly doubled in size, which means your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread will bake up light and airy.
Can I knead the dough in a stand mixer?
Definitely! Use your mixer with a dough hook on medium speed, kneading for about 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This saves some muscle and makes preparing Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread even more approachable.
Is this bread suitable for making sandwiches?
Without a doubt! Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is outstanding for sandwiches—try it with grilled veggies, Italian deli meats, or even a classic Caprese filling. Its sturdy crumb and savory flavor stand up to just about any topping or spread you dream up.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as inspired as I do by this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread. There’s something so special about filling your home with the scents of baking bread, and even more special when it comes loaded with herby, cheesy goodness. Try it soon, share it with people you love, and savor every warm, flavorful bite!
Print
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your senses with this aromatic and cheesy Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe. The blend of fragrant herbs, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan creates a flavorful bread that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Add more flour if sticky.
- Proof the Dough: Place kneaded dough in greased bowl. Let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down risen dough, shape into loaf, or place in greased pan. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place water pan in oven for steam.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding. Internal temp should reach 200-210°F.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temp!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian, Bread, Herbs, Cheese, Homemade
