Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
The moment you tear into a freshly baked loaf of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread, your kitchen transforms into a cozy trattoria, filled with an irresistible aroma that promises comfort and joy. This recipe brings together the classic flavors of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme with the rich, melty embrace of cheese, making every bite both hearty and fragrant. Ideal for sharing or treating yourself to a savory escape, Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a simple pleasure that instantly elevates any meal or snack. Whether you’re new to bread making or an experienced baker, this loaf invites you to roll up your sleeves and savor the results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list for this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread, just a handful of pantry staples and some favorite dried herbs. Each ingredient plays a starring role here, building the flavors and textures that make this bread so unforgettable! Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each part makes a difference.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a soft, tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for lift and airy texture, giving the bread that classic rise and subtle tang.
- Warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and brings together all the ingredients – make sure it’s not too hot, or you’ll risk harming the yeast.
- Salt: Enhances every savory bite and keeps the dough balanced in flavor.
- Sugar: Not just for sweetness, sugar gives the yeast a little fuel to start bubbling and rising.
- Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary): The true heart of this bread, these bring in an unforgettable aroma and Italian flair.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the dough for little pockets of cheesy goodness throughout each slice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and a salty edge to bring the flavor over the top.
- Extra flour for dusting: Keeps the dough easy to handle while kneading and shaping.
How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until it gets nice and frothy—that’s the yeast announcing it’s wide awake and ready to go! Once it’s bubbly, add in your flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. This is the promise of great bread in the making, so don’t worry about a little mess.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and tip out the dough. Now, roll up your sleeves and get to kneading! Work the dough for about 8-10 minutes, pressing and folding until it becomes smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle on a bit more flour. This step is where the bread’s texture really starts to develop.
Step 3: Proof the Dough
Transfer your kneaded dough to a greased bowl, turning it once so the whole surface gets a thin coating of oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours. Watch as the dough slowly works its magic, rising and doubling in size—don’t rush it, as this is key for a light, flavorful loaf.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
After proofing, punch down the dough gently to release the air bubbles. Shape it into a classic loaf or drop it into a greased bread pan for easy slicing later. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes; this second rise ensures a beautifully airy interior.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Here’s a pro tip: place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam—this step helps give Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread a fantastic crust that’s golden, crisp, and worthy of any bakery.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Slide your loaf into the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread is ready when it turns a tantalizing golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For extra accuracy, check that the internal temperature hits 200-210°F. The whole house will smell like an Italian bakery, so don’t be surprised if everyone comes running!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread cool on a wire rack to keep the crust just right. Once it’s cooled a bit, slice into thick pieces and enjoy every herby, cheesy bite! It’s amazing warm with just a little butter or olive oil.
How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, top your sliced bread with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. These final touches add a burst of color and flavor that make every slice shine.
Side Dishes
This bread is the ultimate sidekick to so many dishes. Pair it with a hearty bowl of soup, a crispy salad drizzled with balsamic, or a classic marinara for dipping. Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread also makes a killer base for gourmet sandwiches or paninis!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your loaf sliced in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth, or cut it into cubes for the best homemade croutons you’ve ever tasted. You can even toast thick slices for crunchy crostini to top with bruschetta or your favorite spread—the possibilities are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread extra fresh by storing it in a sealed bread bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To help preserve its crust and flavor, wrap it in a clean towel before sealing.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy homemade bread any time, Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread freezes beautifully! Simply allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight at room temperature when craving strikes.
Reheating
Revive day-old or thawed bread by popping slices into a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or wrap the whole loaf in foil to warm it through. This trick brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture and aroma in no time!
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you have fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary on hand, you can substitute them for dried. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and chop them finely for the same herby punch in every bite.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit different, so adjust with extra water or flour as needed to reach a smooth dough.
What other cheeses would work in this bread?
Feel free to play around with your cheese selection! Asiago, cheddar, or provolone all bring their own lovely flavors. Just be sure to keep the measurements similar to maintain the right dough consistency.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
If your yeast doesn’t foam up during the first step, it’s probably past its prime. Always start with yeast that bubbles and produces a pleasant aroma when mixed with warm water and sugar for the best possible rise.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread dough can easily be doubled—just make sure to use a larger bowl and pan, and allow for a little extra rising time if needed. It’s perfect for parties or gifting to friends.
Final Thoughts
Every home baker should experience the joy of making Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread at least once. There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a loaf that’s bursting with flavor, fragrance, and cheesy goodness. Even if you’re not an expert, give this recipe a try—you might find yourself searching for excuses to bake it again and again!
Print
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe combines the fragrant flavors of dried Italian herbs with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese for a delicious, savory bread that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover it again and let it 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.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 200-210°F.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian Herbs Cheese Bread, Homemade Bread, Italian Bread Recipe
