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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 53 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf featuring a fragrant blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and melting cheeses, perfect for serving warm as a savory treat or alongside meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour (splitting some for kneading)
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one standard packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (helps yeast and browning)
  • 1½ tsp salt (for flavor and structure)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F, activates yeast)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (richness and crust texture)
  • 4 tbsp butter, softened (spreads easily)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (strong garlic flavor)
  • 1½ tbsp dried Italian herb blend (or mixed basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (gooey melting cheese)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (nutty sharpness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) (for a little heat)

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: Combine warm water, sugar and yeast in bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups flour and salt. Mix until dough is shaggy.
  3. Knead dough: Knead on floured surface 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed.
  4. First rise: Place dough in oiled bowl. Cover and let rise about 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Prepare herb butter: Mix softened butter with garlic, dried herbs and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Shape dough and add toppings: Roll dough into 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread herb butter. Sprinkle cheeses and parsley.
  7. Form loaf: Roll tightly from long side, pinch seam and place loaf seam-side down in greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until loaf puffy.
  9. Bake bread: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Use foil if browning too fast.
  10. Cool: Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy texture.

Notes

  • Use foil to prevent over-browning if the bread crust browns too quickly during baking.
  • Allow bread to cool completely at least 20 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy texture.

Keywords: Italian herb bread, garlic cheese bread, homemade bread recipe, savory bread, herb and cheese loaf

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