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Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf infused with aromatic Italian herbs. This homemade bread features a soft interior and a crisp golden crust, enriched with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly paired with pasta, soups, or a simple olive oil dip, it brings comforting, herby flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then stir in the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until well blended.
  3. Form dough: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until a dough starts to come together.
  4. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, working until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Add cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Gently knead the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
  7. Shape loaf: Form the dough into a loaf shape and transfer it into a greased loaf pan. Cover it again, and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to encourage browning, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top while warm, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm alongside pasta, soup, or your favorite dip.

Notes

  • To substitute the cheese, you can use cheddar, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
  • For extra garlic flavor, incorporate roasted garlic cloves into the dough during mixing.
  • You can add Mediterranean touches like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to the dough for a varied taste.
  • Shape the dough into smaller portions to make individual dinner rolls instead of a loaf.
  • Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
  • For best texture after freezing, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Keywords: Italian bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, herb bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, Italian herb bread, baked bread, savory bread

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