Description
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe yields a flavorful, soft loaf infused with aromatic Italian seasonings, garlic powder, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly golden and brushed with melted butter, this bread is ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, stir together warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Make the Dough: Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form and comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Add Cheeses: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape and Second Rise: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until it has puffed up.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter to promote browning and flavor. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is around 110°F (45°C) for optimal yeast activation—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
- For a crustier loaf, bake a small pan of water in the oven to create steam during baking.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if desired.
- The bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easier thawing and toasting.
- Brush with additional melted butter immediately after baking for an extra rich crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory bread
