Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C); 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish); 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

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Introduction

Enjoy the comforting aroma and flavors of this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread. It’s a soft, cheesy loaf infused with fragrant herbs, perfect for serving alongside your favorite meals or as a savory snack.

A close-up image of a pull-apart bread loaf cut into chunky squares filled with melted cheese stretching between the pieces. The bread has a crispy, golden-brown crust speckled with green herbs and coarse salt, while the inside is soft and light yellow with melted gooey white cheese oozing out. The bread is sitting on a white marbled surface, and the focus is on the texture of the crunchy topping and creamy cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together warm water and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout.
Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough along with the cheeses.
If you prefer a crustier bread, bake an additional 5 minutes and place a small heatproof dish of water in the oven to create steam while baking.
Substitute the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze sliced portions in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a pull-apart garlic cheese bread showing seven thick slices connected together, with the bread crust golden brown and slightly crispy on top. On each slice, melted white cheese fills the gaps inside the soft, spongy bread, stretching between the slices as one is pulled away. The bread is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and small black pepper bits, adding texture on the shiny crust. The loaf sits on a simple white marbled surface with scattered herbs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first.

What is the best way to get the cheese evenly distributed in the bread?

After the first rise, gently knead the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan into the dough until evenly spread but avoid over-kneading, which can toughen the bread.