Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a savory, aromatic loaf that can make any meal special, this Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is truly a game changer. Picture the crackly crust, the golden flecks of cheese bubbling from inside, and that unmistakable, herby aroma escaping from every slice! The combination of Italian seasoning, gooey mozzarella, and a double hit of Parmesan guarantees that every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re a bread-making newbie or a seasoned baker, this recipe is not only delicious but also comforting and incredibly easy to pull off at home. Once you try this loaf, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is how a handful of humble pantry staples come together to create pure magic. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, bringing texture, moisture, and mouthwatering flavor, so don’t skip or swap them unless you’re ready to experiment!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough, offering the perfect texture for a pillowy yet chewy crumb.
- Sugar: Just a touch to help activate the yeast and give your bread a lovely, subtle sweetness.
- Instant yeast: The powerhouse that makes your bread rise beautifully with minimal fuss.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance, rounding out the cheese and herbs.
- Italian seasoning: This fragrant blend infuses every bite with those classic Mediterranean flavors you crave.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and that irresistible, gentle garlic warmth throughout the loaf.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and umami undertone that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Warm water (110°F): Ensures your yeast activates properly and brings the dough together.
- Olive oil: Delivers moisture, a hint of richness, and enhances the sheen of the crust.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into delightful pockets, delivering a gooey, cheesy experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a salty punch and nutty sharpness that elevates the whole loaf.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herby finish that looks beautiful sprinkled over the top.
How to Make Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding in your flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good stir, then pour in your warm water and olive oil. Mix until a scraggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t stress if it looks a little rough at this stage—this is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth
You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Work the dough for 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s smooth, supple, and elastic. You’ll notice it firming up and becoming easier to handle as the gluten develops—a crucial step for that perfect chewy structure in your Italian Herbs Cheese Bread.
Step 3: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and set it back in your bowl. Cover it tightly and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This gentle rise fills the bread with lift and gives the flavors time to mingle together.
Step 4: Shape and Fill with Cheese
Punch down the airy dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll or press it out into a 9×12 inch rectangle. Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top—don’t hold back! Then, roll the dough up from the short side, jelly-roll style, to create those irresistible cheese swirls inside.
Step 5: Second Rise
Gently place your rolled loaf, seam side down, into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it up and let it rise again for another 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy. This stage helps set the shape so you get gorgeous, fluffy slices.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then slide your risen loaf in. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bread turns a deep golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped. The cheese will sizzle, the crust will develop a beautiful sheen, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 7: Cool and Finish Off
Let your bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then gently remove and let it finish cooling on a wire rack. For a final flourish, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley. Now, resist the urge to cut it immediately—letting the bread cool prevents it from becoming gummy and helps the cheese set.
How to Serve Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A piping hot slice is always enjoyable, but a quick dusting of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note that really brings the loaf to life. For extra indulgence, try a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving, or even a drizzle of quality olive oil for shine and richness.
Side Dishes
This Italian Herbs Cheese Bread makes a stunning addition to so many meals. Pair it with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, serve alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup, or plate it next to a classic Caesar salad for a cozy, satisfying lunch. For dinner, it’s the ultimate sidekick to pasta, roasted chicken, or a festive antipasto platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just stick to slices! Try cutting the bread into cubes and serving as cheesy croutons in a salad, or hollow out the center for a fun party bread bowl. You can also toast slices lightly and use them as the base for bruschetta or open-faced sandwiches. However you serve it, Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Keep the bread at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavor and texture hold beautifully, making it a perfect grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Italian Herbs Cheese Bread down the road? Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and a layer of foil for extra protection. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for more, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then wrap the loaf or slices in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes. For a crispy finish, unwrap during the last couple of minutes. You can also toast slices individually for a quick cheesy pick-me-up anytime.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give you a slightly chewier texture and even more structure. If you like a springier crumb, go for bread flour, but all-purpose is perfectly delicious and more accessible.
How do I tell when my Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is done baking?
The top should be deep golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C) for perfect doneness.
Can I change up the cheeses?
Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan pack a flavorful punch, you can try provolone, asiago, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a personalized twist. Just keep the overall quantities about the same for best results.
Do I have to let the bread cool before slicing?
It’s tempting to cut right in, but allowing the bread to cool at least partially helps set the texture and ensures the cheese doesn’t ooze out too much. Patience pays off with a better slice and less mess!
Can I make Italian Herbs Cheese Bread vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free varieties and make sure your sugar and bread ingredients are vegan-friendly. The result may be slightly different in flavor, but you’ll still get that fabulous herbed loaf.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give Italian Herbs Cheese Bread a special spot in your baking repertoire. This recipe creates loaf after loaf of pure comfort packed with flavor, and it’s practically begging for your personal touch. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again—don’t be surprised if friends and family start asking for the recipe!
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Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of Italy with this delicious Italian Herbs Cheese Bread. A savory loaf filled with mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 and 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add warm water and olive oil, mix until a dough forms.
- Kneading: Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Let it rise until doubled in size.
- Rolling: Roll the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cheeses, then roll up and place in a loaf pan.
- Rising: Let the dough rise again until puffy.
- Baking: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cooling: Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives for extra flavor.
- This bread is great for grilled cheese or panini sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
