Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Herbs and Cheese Bread is a fragrant and savory loaf perfect for any occasion. Filled with garlic, Italian herbs, and melty cheeses, it offers a warm, comforting bite that pairs beautifully with soups or salads.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, and chopped parsley.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter mix.
• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or provolone cheese for a different taste.
• If fresh parsley is unavailable, use dried parsley but reduce the quantity slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the flour, reducing the water slightly if needed. The rising times may be a bit faster.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely. The herb and garlic butter alone creates plenty of flavor, making a delicious herb bread even without the cheese.

Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This Herbs and Cheese Bread is a savory Italian-inspired loaf featuring a fragrant blend of garlic, dried Italian herbs, and fresh parsley swirled into a soft, fluffy dough, layered with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a flavorful side for pastas, soups, or enjoyed on its own warm from the oven.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Herb Butter and Toppings

• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix and Knead Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs until well combined.
5. Shape and Fill Dough: Roll the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the herb butter mixture over the dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley on top.
6. Form the Loaf: Roll the dough tightly from the long side like a jelly roll, pinch the seam to seal the filling inside, and place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm for the best flavor.

Notes

• Make sure the water is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
• Kneading well helps develop gluten for a soft and elastic bread texture.
• Letting the dough rise adequately ensures a light, fluffy bread.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: herbs and cheese bread, Italian herb bread, garlic bread loaf, homemade cheese bread, savory Italian bread