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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf combining aromatic Italian herbs and two types of cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or enjoying on its own, this bread features a soft, chewy crumb and a golden crust baked to perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Combine the warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs evenly to distribute the flavors throughout the dough.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky to touch.
  5. Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough using your hands or a rolling pin, then evenly fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to distribute the cheese throughout the dough.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  7. Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round boule, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Second rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up and slightly risen.
  9. Preheat oven and score loaf: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, score the top of the bread with shallow slashes using a sharp knife to help control expansion.
  10. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
  11. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

  • For gluten-free bread, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Replace mozzarella cheese with dairy-free cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Make sure the water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Letting the bread cool before slicing ensures better texture and prevents gumminess.
  • Storing leftover bread in an airtight container helps maintain freshness for 2-3 days.

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

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