Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tbsp sugar; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf infused with fragrant Italian herbs. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, it’s perfect for serving alongside pasta, soups, or a simple olive oil dip.

A white plate holds several slices of garlic cheese bread, each slice showing three layers: the golden brown toasted crust on the outside, a soft white bread layer in the middle, and a creamy white cheese layer speckled with finely chopped green herbs between the crust and bread. The bread's crust also has small seeds and a slightly rough texture. The slices are stacked in a slightly fanned-out way on a white marbled surface, with the focus on the close-up front slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar together. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and gently knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until evenly incorporated.
Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Sprinkle the warm bread with fresh parsley. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping the mozzarella for cheddar, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor.
For extra garlic flavor, mix roasted garlic cloves into the dough before the first rise.
Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to create a Mediterranean twist.
Shape the dough into smaller rolls instead of one loaf for individual portions.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds several thick slices of garlic bread arranged in a slightly overlapped row. Each slice has a golden-brown crust with a sprinkling of herbs and small bits of garlic on top. The inside layers of the bread are soft and white, with melted cheese and finely chopped green herbs spread evenly across the surface. The bread’s texture looks crisp on the edges and soft in the middle. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. If substituting, add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients without proofing, but reduce the rise time slightly as it works faster.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F indicates it’s fully baked.