Description
Homemade bread infused with aromatic Italian herbs and gooey cheese, perfect as a side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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