Why Make This Recipe
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a delightful and flavorful addition to any meal. It combines the comforting texture of homemade bread with the aromatic tastes of Italian herbs and gooey cheese. This bread not only makes a fantastic side dish but also stands out on its own as a delicious snack. Plus, baking bread at home fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma that is hard to resist.
How to Make
Cheese Bread
and Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
Directions:
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the bread: Shape the dough into a round boule and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Final rise: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Score the bread: Make shallow slashes on the surface of the bread.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool down: Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, serve it alongside soups and salads, or use it for sandwiches. It also pairs wonderfully with dips like marinara or olive oil.
How to Store Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it. Make sure to slice it before freezing for easy serving later.
Tips to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth for the best texture.
- Let the cheese cool slightly before incorporating it to avoid melting in the dough.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or sun-dried tomatoes.
Variation
You can customize this bread by adding different cheeses, like cheddar or feta, or including other herbs like rosemary or parsley. You can also mix in olives or nuts for added taste and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.
2. Why is my bread not rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water was warm enough to activate it.
3. Can I bake this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine. Just follow your machine’s instructions for the order of ingredients.
This bread will surely become a favorite in your home, enjoyed on its own or with meals. Happy baking!
Print
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade bread infused with aromatic Italian herbs and gooey cheese, perfect as a side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the bread: Shape the dough into a round boule and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Final rise: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Score the bread: Make shallow slashes on the surface of the bread.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool down: Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or sun-dried tomatoes. Store in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze wrapped tightly for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
