Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for any meal. Loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and classic Italian herbs, it’s simple to make and brings a fresh, cheesy touch to your table.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar. Add yeast and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Add yeast mixture and olive oil to dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough, then knead in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Shape dough into a loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan, and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, let the bread cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of sun-dried tomato pesto to the dough before the second rise.
• Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in place of dried Italian seasoning for a vibrant herb flavor.
• Brush the bread with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter for an extra savory crust.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

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, but reduce the amount by about 25% and add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing.

Can I make this bread without cheese?

Absolutely! You can omit the cheeses for a simple Italian herb bread or substitute with other fillings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 86 reviews

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a fragrant and flavorful homemade loaf, packed with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden, buttery crust, it makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal or a savory snack on its own.

• Author: Amaya
• 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 1x2x3x

Main 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

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Finishing

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the spices and seasoning throughout the dough.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients come together forming a rough dough.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Add Cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough to incorporate a cheesy flavor.
7. Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes until it puffs up.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish, and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Warm water should be around 110°F (45°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading is important to develop gluten for a good bread structure, so knead until smooth and elastic.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried Italian seasoning if desired, but adjust quantities accordingly.
• Brush the bread with melted butter right before baking for a rich, golden crust.
• If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape the dough into a freeform loaf and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Allow bread to cool slightly before slicing to prevent tearing and to allow cheese to set.

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory bread