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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a delicious homemade loaf infused with aromatic garlic and an Italian herb blend, layered with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft inside with a golden crust, this bread is ideal for serving warm as a side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Herb Butter Spread

  • 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast has been properly activated.
  2. Form Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Gradually add the remaining flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herb blend until well combined.
  6. Shape and Fill Dough: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley on top.
  7. Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  8. Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve the bread warm to enjoy the melty cheese and herb flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • You can substitute the Italian herb blend with fresh herbs if preferred.
  • This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat slices in the oven before serving to refresh the crust and melt the cheese.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier mixing with garlic and herbs.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, garlic bread, savory bread

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/italian-herbs-and-cheese-bread-recipe/