Name: Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams); 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams); 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml); 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

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Introduction

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for any meal or snack. Combining fragrant herbs with gooey cheese creates a delightful bread that’s both soft inside and crispy on the outside.

A round loaf of bread is shown with a golden-brown crust on top, sprinkled with small bits of melted cheese and green herbs. The crust has a rough, bubbly texture with some dark browned spots and a few small cracks revealing the soft, light-yellow inside. The bread sits on a piece of brown parchment paper, placed on a wooden board. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients: add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Incorporate the cheese by flattening the dough and folding in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape the bread into a round boule and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 10: Score the bread with shallow slashes on the surface.
Step 11: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
Step 12: Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For gluten-free bread, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Use fresh herbs if available, adjusting quantities based on taste.
Brush the top with olive oil before baking for an extra crispy crust.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

A round, golden-brown loaf of bread with a crispy, textured crust sits on a piece of parchment paper placed on a wooden board. The top of the bread is covered with small browned cheese spots and sprinkled with green herbs. The crust has some cracks, showing a soft, light-yellow inside underneath. The background is a white marbled surface, softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, kneading by hand on a floured surface works perfectly fine and is actually recommended for best texture.

How do Italian herbs affect the flavor?

Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme add an aromatic, savory depth that complements the cheesy richness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.