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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe combines aromatic dried Italian herbs with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheeses, creating a beautifully textured, flavorful bread perfect for sandwiches, pasta sides, or as a standalone snack. With a crisp golden crust and soft, cheesy interior, this homemade bread is baked in the oven with steam to achieve an irresistible crust and tender crumb.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese into the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring the cheeses and herbs are evenly distributed.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour gradually to achieve the correct texture.
  4. First Proof: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm environment for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Bread: After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release trapped air. Shape the dough into a loaf or place it into a greased bread pan. Cover again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. 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, which helps develop a crisp crust.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. To ensure doneness, check that the internal temperature reaches between 200°F and 210°F.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a more robust herbal flavor, increase the quantity of Italian herbs or try adding fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme.
  • Experiment with different cheeses such as fontina, provolone, or asiago for varied taste profiles.
  • This bread pairs excellently with pasta dishes, sandwiches, or simply dipped in high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  • Using steam during baking helps create a crusty exterior; if you don’t have a pan for water, mist the oven with water before baking.

Keywords: Italian herbs bread, cheese bread recipe, homemade herb bread, mozzarella parmesan bread, easy Italian bread

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