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Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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