Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopper at your next meal, look no further than Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread. Imagine a crust that’s golden and crisp, giving way to a tender, cheesy crumb generously seasoned with fragrant herbs—each slice is a promise of comfort and flavor. This irresistible bread brings the magic of a cozy Italian bakery right into your own kitchen, and trust me, once you bake it, you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can tear off a warm, gooey piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, each one building a layer of flavor and texture that makes this bread truly exceptional. Every ingredient plays a starring role in creating that beautiful harmony of cheesy richness and herb-flecked delight.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of your bread, providing that classic tender crumb you crave.
- Sugar: Just a tablespoon, but it helps to feed the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness that balances the herbs perfectly.
- Active dry yeast: The magic maker—this is what gives your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread its lift and airy softness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and giving the bread its savory depth.
- Dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme): These are the soul of the bread, adding an aromatic, Italian-inspired bouquet to every bite.
- Garlic powder: Just enough to infuse the loaf with that irresistible garlicky backnote (without overpowering the cheese).
- Warm water (110°F): The perfect temperature for activating the yeast and bringing the dough together—think comfortable bath, not hot tub!
- Olive oil: This gives the bread a moist texture and a beautifully subtle richness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey, and oh-so-delicious, mozzarella brings the goo-factor to our loaf.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a punch of salty, umami flavor that takes the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread to the next level.
How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, salt, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder. Make sure these are well combined so the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the bread. This step ensures that every single bite carries that signature Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread aroma.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
Pour the warm water and olive oil into your bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a little messy here—this means your dough is well-hydrated and ready to develop wonderful flavor and texture.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic—this develops gluten, giving your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread that satisfying chewiness. If it sticks too much, just sprinkle on a touch more flour as needed.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the yeast works its magic, making your bread light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough to release air, then gently knead in both the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Work the cheeses in so they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. Shape the cheesy dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let your dough rise again for 30 minutes. This final rise ensures your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread bakes up nice and tall, with an irresistibly fluffy crumb.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F while the bread does its second rise. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. For extra flair, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese and a dusting of herbs on top before baking.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and get ready for a wave of oohs and ahhs—your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is ready for its closeup!
How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or basil over the top, or brush the loaf with a little extra olive oil as soon as it comes out of the oven for that glistening finish. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt adds sparkle and ups the deliciousness factor even more.
Side Dishes
This savory bread is perfect alongside classic Italian favorites like minestrone, lasagna, or a vibrant Caprese salad. It also makes a dazzling foundation for bruschetta or open-faced sandwiches—imagination is the only limit!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread into thick pieces and arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a checked napkin for that true homemade touch. Or, cut into cubes for a party platter with dips like marinara or olive tapenade, and watch them disappear in minutes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, wrap your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week—just slice off what you need as you go.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the cooled loaf and lay the slices flat in a freezer bag. The bread freezes beautifully for up to three months. Pop out as many pieces as you want for quick, delicious bread whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For a quick fix, microwaving for 10–15 seconds works too. Either way, your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread will taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add a vibrant, aromatic punch to your bread. Just remember to triple the amount, since dried herbs are more potent.
What if I don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan?
Feel free to experiment—cheddar, provolone, or even asiago work great and will each put their own spin on your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The crust should turn a lovely golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. If you’re unsure, use a thermometer—the center should register about 190°F.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based cheeses and swap in your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk for water. A vegan cheese blend will melt beautifully in the dough.
Is it possible to bake this as rolls instead of a loaf?
Of course! Divide the dough into 10–12 portions, shape into rolls, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffy. Perfect for party sliders or handheld treats.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your home with the savory aroma of freshly baked bread, this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is your ticket. It’s the kind of recipe that turns any meal into a little celebration, and it’s truly hard to resist. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking a second loaf the very next day—happy baking, and enjoy every scrumptious slice!
Print
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a savory delight, perfect for any meal or as a snack. The combination of Italian herbs, garlic, and two types of cheese creates a flavorful and aromatic bread that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Dry Ingredient Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
- Dough Mixing: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Kneading: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rising: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Cheese Addition: Punch down the dough and knead in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until evenly distributed.
- Loaf Formation: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and the top sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cooling: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added texture and nutrition.
- Sprinkle extra cheese and herbs on top before baking for a flavorful crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
