Description
Is there anything better than the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven? Add a blend of Italian herbs and melty, savory cheeses, and you have something truly magical — Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: extra herbs and cheese for topping
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, your water may be too hot or the yeast is expired.
Add olive oil, salt, basil, oregano, rosemary, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture.
Gradually stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Gently knead in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or round.
Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a greased loaf pan.
Cover loosely and let rise again for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Optionally, brush loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with extra herbs and cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Let cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.
Serve warm with butter, olive oil dip, or alongside your favorite Italian meal!
Notes
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and adds extra flavor.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: It helps develop a lighter, airy texture.
Customize the Herbs: Thyme, sage, or marjoram can be delicious swaps.
Want Extra Cheesy?: Stuff small cubes of mozzarella inside the dough before baking!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
Keywords: Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread