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Italian Herb Cheese Bread: A Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 39 reviews

This Italian Herb Cheese Bread recipe yields a flavorful homemade loaf bursting with aromatic herbs and a delightful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for sandwiches or as a savory side.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Whisk them together until well mixed.
  3. Form Dough: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the dry ingredients along with the olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Cheese: Shred the mozzarella and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
  7. Punch Down Dough: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air.
  8. Incorporate Cheese: Sprinkle the cheeses over the dough, fold it over, and knead gently for another 2-3 minutes until evenly distributed.
  9. Shape Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and shape the dough into a loaf or divide into smaller pieces for rolls.
  10. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  11. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  12. Optional Topping: Optionally brush the top with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with herbs.
  13. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
  14. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  15. Serve: Slice with a serrated knife and serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for dipping or alongside your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps it double in size for a light texture.
  • Brushing the top with olive oil or melted butter enhances crust color and flavor.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the bread smoothly without crushing it.

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread recipe, homemade Italian bread, mozzarella Parmesan bread, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/italian-herb-cheese-bread-a-delicious-homemade-loaf-recipe/