Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This delicious Italian herb and cheese bread combines aromatic herbs, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses for a flavorful homemade loaf. Perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite meal, it’s soft, cheesy, and bursting with savory goodness.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F–110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
• 1 tbsp Italian herb blend (dried oregano, basil, thyme, parsley)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add olive oil, salt, and half of the flour. Stir to combine. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle. Sprinkle garlic and both cheeses evenly over the dough.
6. Step 6: Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, tucking in the ends. Place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
7. Step 7: Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Step 8: Brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian herbs and extra cheese if desired.
9. Step 9: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Step 10: Cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside the dough before rolling.
• You can substitute the Italian herb blend with fresh herbs if available; just use about 2 tablespoons finely chopped.
• To make a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative and olive oil instead of butter for greasing.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or warm oven to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but the texture may be slightly less chewy since bread flour has a higher protein content that helps with gluten development.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a thermometer; it should read about 190°F inside.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

This Delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread combines a soft, fluffy dough with aromatic Italian herbs, minced garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden crust, this flavorful bread is ideal for sandwiches or as a savory side to any meal.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F–110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)

Herbs and Cheese

• 1 tbsp Italian herb blend (dried oregano, basil, thyme, parsley)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and half of the bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Filling: Punch down the dough and shape it into a rectangle. Evenly sprinkle minced garlic, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses over the dough surface.
6. Shape Loaf: Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, tucking the ends in securely. Place the roll seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.
7. Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Prepare for Baking: Brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle the top with the Italian herb blend and extra cheese if desired.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Garnish and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• Warm water should be between 105°F and 110°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaf with olive oil immediately after baking while it’s still warm.
• You can substitute mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with your favorite melting cheeses if desired.
• For a more intense garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic lightly before adding it to the dough.
• This bread pairs excellently with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.

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