Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic dried Italian herbs and a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for pairing with pasta dishes, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed with olive oil, this bread offers a golden crust with a soft, cheesy interior that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Extra flour for dusting
- Grease for bowl and pan
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Combine dry ingredients and cheese: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
- First proofing: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release trapped air. Shape it into a loaf or place it into a greased bread pan. Cover and allow it to rise again for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam, which helps develop a crispy crust.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaf on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should read between 200-210°F to ensure the bread is fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger herb flavor, increase the amount of dried Italian herbs or try fresh herbs finely chopped.
- Experiment with different cheese blends such as sharp cheddar or provolone for variety.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with Italian dishes like pasta or can be served as a savory snack dipped in olive oil.
- Using a pan of water in the oven helps create steam to achieve a crispy crust.
- Ensure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Keywords: Italian bread recipe, cheese bread, homemade bread, herb bread, mozzarella cheese bread, Parmesan bread