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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
When it comes to comforting, homemade goodness, nothing beats the aroma of baking bread wafting through your kitchen. One of my all-time favorites is Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread, a delightful loaf that marries the savory flavors of Italian herbs with the gooeyness of cheese. This bread is perfect for family dinners, picnics, or simply toasted with a bit of butter. The combination of herbs and cheese not only makes for a delicious loaf but also fills your home with an irresistible scent that draws everyone to the kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread find a special place in your recipe collection? First and foremost, it’s an incredibly straightforward recipe that requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick bread option for dinner or someone who loves to impress guests with homemade creations, this recipe fits the bill.
You can whip it up on a weekday or make it a project over the weekend. The robust flavors make it a versatile side; it’s perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying alongside your favorite pasta dish.
“I baked this bread for a family gathering, and it disappeared within minutes! Everyone raved about the cheesy goodness and herb flavor. I can’t wait to make it again!” – Happy Baker
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Creating your own Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread can be fun and rewarding! The process is broken down into easy-to-follow steps that make baking feel achievable, even if you’re a beginner. You’ll mix the ingredients, knead the dough, let it rise, and finally bake it to golden perfection—all in about 2-3 hours.
Let’s jump into what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:
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Gather Your 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, rosemary)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
For those looking for alternatives, you can use organic flour, or if you’re out of mozzarella, any melty cheese can work just as well!
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Stir in the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add extra flour if it’s too sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), placing a shallow pan of water at the bottom to create steam.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 200-210°F.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Best Way to Serve
Now that you have your stunning Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread ready, the big question is: how to serve it? This bread pairs beautifully with a rich marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh salad, or even a charcuterie board. You can toast slices for breakfast topped with butter or use them to make delicious sandwiches.
Consider serving it alongside a fragrant bowl of Italian soup for a complete meal that evokes the feeling of dining in Italy.
Storage Tips
To enjoy your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread for days to come, proper storage is essential. Once cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easier thawing later on. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature, then reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to revive its crusty exterior.
Pro Chef Tips
- Knead with love: The more you knead, the better the texture. Aim for at least 8 minutes to develop the gluten.
- Flavor boost: For an extra kick, consider adding minced garlic or roasted red pepper to the dough.
- Monitor the rise: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; a bubbly reaction is key to a light loaf.
Creative Twists
Feel adventurous? Here are some variations you can try:
- Swapping out the cheeses for a blend of cheddar and gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough for an Italian twist.
- Using fresh herbs when available; you may need to adjust the quantity since fresh herbs have a different potency than dried ones.
Your Questions Answered
- How long does it take to prepare this bread? The total time is around 2-3 hours, including rising times.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes. Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients; just skip the proofing step.
- Is this bread gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dive into the world of baking with this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe, and let it elevate your cooking experiences. Happy baking!
Print
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful loaf that marries the savory flavors of Italian herbs with gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or toasting with butter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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, rosemary)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Stir in the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add extra flour if it’s too sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), placing a shallow pan of water at the bottom to create steam.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 200-210°F.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
Knead for at least 8 minutes for the best texture; consider adding minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: bread, Italian, cheese, baking, herbs
