Name: Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F); 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Extra flour for dusting

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Why Make This Recipe

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy it with pasta, soup, or on its own, this bread is sure to impress. The combination of herbs and cheese gives it a fantastic flavor that everyone will love.

How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)
1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Extra flour for dusting

Directions:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Proof the Dough:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Bread:
Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.

Bake the Bread:
Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 200-210°F.

Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is versatile. You can serve it warm with butter, slice it for sandwiches, or use it as a side for salads and soups. It also makes a great appetizer when paired with dips.

How to Store Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

To store the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or parchment paper and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Make sure your water is warm but not too hot. This helps the yeast activate properly.
Knead the dough well to develop good gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Adding herbs is flexible; customize the flavor by mixing different dried herbs.
For a crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.

Variation

You can add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different types of cheese to make your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread unique.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

What can I do if my bread doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh. If it’s old, it may not activate. Also, ensure you keep the dough in a warm place.

Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just let it warm up and rise again before shaping and baking.