Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread: A Golden, Cheesy Loaf Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 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; 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Introduction

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf bursting with flavor. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, it combines aromatic herbs and two kinds of cheese for a perfect homemade treat. It’s ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own.

The image shows a close-up of a pull-apart bread with a golden-brown crust sprinkled with green herbs and garlic bits. The pull-apart sections are thick and soft with the middle filled with stretchy melted white cheese oozing out, creating a gooey texture between the layers. The bread has a rough, crispy top due to the baked cheese and herbs. It sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean background contrast to the warm tones of the bread. 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 foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until evenly combined.
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 smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.
Step 9: Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, let the bread cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a slightly different cheesy taste.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or basil can be used for garnish.
Brush the crust with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter for a richer finish.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the loaf, then toast slices directly from the freezer for a fresh taste. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows several thick slices of garlic bread placed closely side by side on a white plate, all arranged in a slight curve. Each slice has a crispy golden-brown crust with visible sesame seeds and a soft white inside, spread generously with melted butter and finely chopped fresh green parsley. The bread texture is fluffy with some cheese melted and slightly browned on the surface of the slices, showing a mix of creamy white and light golden colors on top. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with some crumbs and bits of parsley scattered around. 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. Reduce the warm water slightly and mix the yeast directly with the dry ingredients before adding water and oil.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can shape the dough into a round boule and bake on a lined baking sheet. It may require a slightly shorter baking time—start checking after 25 minutes.