Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is a homemade cheesy delight with a fragrant crust and tender crumb. This bread is perfect for a quick prep and delivers a savory aroma for a family-friendly meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish or just enjoying it with a bit of olive oil, this bread is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
This Italian herb cheese bread is more than just delicious; it’s an experience! Here are some reasons to love it:
- **Savory flavor** from a blend of Italian herbs and cheeses.
- **Easy to make**, making it a perfect choice for weeknight meals.
- **Great for sharing** with friends and family at any gathering.
- **Customizable** with your favorite herbs or additional fillings.
- **Perfect texture** that is soft on the inside with a crispy crust.
- **Satisfying aroma** that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
This recipe for Italian herbs cheese bread effortlessly combines the best of baking with Italian cuisine, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients for Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Gather these items:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
- 1 cup warm water (110–115°F/43–46°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk warm water with sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and Italian seasoning. Add most of the fresh parsley now and reserve a little for later.
- Step 3: Combine wet and dry: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 4: Knead until smooth: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: First rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for about 60–70 minutes until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Prep the cheese-herb filling: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch more Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
- Step 7: Shape the loaf: Deflate the risen dough, roll it into a rectangle, sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over it, roll it up tightly, and seal the seam.
- Step 8: Second rise: Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 25–40 minutes until puffy.
- Step 9: Bake to golden goodness: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Step 10: Finish with garlic butter: Brush the top with garlic butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Step 11: Rest and slice: Let the loaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing thickly.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Keep these in mind:
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven for a crispy crust.
- For a more intense flavor, experiment with the best herbs for Italian cheese bread such as rosemary and thyme.
Best Ways to Serve Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
This cheesy Italian herb loaf is versatile. Enjoy it as:
- A side to your favorite pasta dishes.
- With a bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
- For dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar as an appetizer.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
To maintain the crispy crust and soft interior, store your leftover Italian herbs cheese bread in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its delightful texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
What’s the secret to perfect Italian Herbs Cheese Bread?
The key lies in activating the yeast properly and allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment. This ensures a fluffy texture and enhances the flavor of your cheese bread with Italian herbs.
Can I make Italian Herbs Cheese Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking for a fresh loaf.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Herbs Cheese Bread?
Ensure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. Over-kneading can make the bread tough, so knead just until smooth and elastic.
Variations of Italian Herbs Cheese Bread You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with your bread! Here are some variations:
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Incorporate olives for a savory twist.
- Use different cheeses, like feta or cheddar, for unique tastes.
With its flexibility, this homemade Italian cheese bread recipe can adapt to your preferences, making it a staple in your kitchen.
Delicious Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Recipe for Family
Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is a homemade cheesy delight with a fragrant crust and tender crumb. It’s perfect for a quick prep and delivers a savory aroma for a family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
- 1 cup warm water (110–115°F/43–46°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk warm water with sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and Italian seasoning. Add most of the fresh parsley now and reserve a little for later.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead until smooth: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for about 60–70 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prep the cheese-herb filling: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch more Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
- Shape the loaf: Deflate the risen dough, roll it into a rectangle, sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over it, roll it up tightly, and seal the seam.
- Second rise: Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 25–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake to golden goodness: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Finish with garlic butter: Brush the top with garlic butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Rest and slice: Let the loaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing thickly.
Notes
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven for a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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