Italian Herb and Cheese Bread: A Golden, Cheesy Loaf Bursting with Flavor Recipe
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf bursting with rich flavors from Italian seasoning, garlic powder, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Soft and aromatic, it’s perfect for sandwiches, alongside soups, or on its own as a savory treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Finishing
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm water and sugar to dissolve. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Incorporate Cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter for a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the water temperature is between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the loaf again with butter halfway through baking.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if desired.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, omit cheese and replace butter with olive oil for brushing.
Keywords: Italian Herb Bread, Cheese Bread, Homemade Bread, Italian Seasoning Bread, Mozzarella Bread, Parmesan Bread, Savory Loaf, Bread Recipe
