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Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 38 reviews

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf featuring aromatic Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft and chewy with a golden crust, it makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal or stands out as a savory snack.

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

Cheese

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

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and stir gently. Allow it to sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until evenly combined.
  3. Form the dough: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a rough dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This develops the gluten for a perfect texture.
  5. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Add cheeses: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Shape and second rise: Shape the cheese-filled dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffed up.
  8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove the bread from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for garnish. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • Use warm water around 110°F (45°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading is key to developing gluten structure which affects the bread’s chewiness.
  • Allowing the bread to cool slightly before slicing helps prevent a gummy texture inside.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top again with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • You can add additional herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.

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

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