Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread combines aromatic Italian seasoning with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a flavorful, soft loaf perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any meal. The bread is enriched with garlic and fresh parsley for an added burst of taste and finished with a buttery crust baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough 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
Cheese and Topping
- 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
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar together until sugar dissolves. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning evenly to ensure the herbs and spices are well distributed.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough just begins to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing the gluten structure for a soft texture.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Add the cheese: Punch down the risen dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
- Shape and second rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes until it has puffed up.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to promote browning and add richness.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is not too hot, as temperatures above 115°F can kill the yeast.
- Kneading the dough well is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture.
- For a crispier crust, you can place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
- Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil to keep it fresh for 2-3 days.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy toasting later.
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, Italian seasoning, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, garlic bread
