Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is one of those comforting recipes that warms both the kitchen and the soul. I stumbled upon this delightful creation during a chilly evening craving for something homemade and aromatic. This bread fills your home with the irresistible smells of Italian herbs while delivering a soft, cheesy center that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or even as a stand-alone snack. Whether you’re preparing for a family meal, a holiday gathering, or simply looking to treat yourself, this bread is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread apart is the uncomplicated yet flavorful combination of bread flour, herbs, and gooey cheese. Not only does it come together in a breeze thanks to the bread machine, but it also impresses with its rich taste and appealing texture.

You’ll love that this recipe is wonderfully versatile, quick to prepare, and budget-friendly. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive bread for weekend brunches. Plus, the kids will love tearing off warm slices slathered in butter!

"This bread is an absolute game changer! I didn’t realize how easy it could be to make something so delicious. It pairs wonderfully with pasta!" – Happy Home Baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a straightforward process that anyone can tackle. Here’s a brief overview to set you up for success: All the ingredients touch the dough maker in one go, letting the machine handle the mixing and baking. In just under three hours, you’ll enjoy freshly baked bread without the fuss.

1. Gather your ingredients.
2. Load the bread machine according to instructions.
3. Choose your settings, and let the magic happen!
4. Once it’s baking, relax, and envision the delicious bread soon to come!
5. Finally, cool it, slice it, and serve hot.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful bread:

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• 3 cups bread flour – For a chewy texture.
• 1 cup warm water – Activates the yeast.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds moisture and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – Slight sweetness to balance flavors.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing taste.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) – The star of this dish!
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan) – For that cheesy goodness.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – Helps the bread rise.

Feel free to swap out cheese for your favorite varieties or even mix herbs based on your preferences!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by adding all the ingredients to the bread machine, following the order your manufacturer recommends.
2. Select the ‘Basic’ or ‘Italian’ setting, adjusting the crust preference if necessary.
3. Hit the start button and let your bread maker do its work.
4. Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool.
5. Slice, serve, and enjoy with your favorite meal!

Tips for Serving

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is extremely versatile, so consider pairing it with:

• A robust tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple appetizer.
• A fresh garden salad for a light lunch.
• Topping it with bruschetta for a modern twist.

You can even toast slices for a delicious breakfast treat!

Best Way to Store Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

To keep your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread fresh, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in an airtight container. It can last at room temperature for about 2-3 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before wrapping it tightly in plastic, then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen, it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster for a quick warm-up.

Pro Chef Tips

• Kneading: If your bread machine has a manual setting, knead the dough for 5-10 minutes for a slightly denser texture.
• Herb Freshness: Use fresher herbs whenever possible; they will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Dairy Swaps: For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat Parmesan.

Creative Twists

Want to customize your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread? Here are a few fun variations:

• Add-Ins: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or chopped garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty twist.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with Gorgonzola or feta for different cheesy profiles.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, thanks to the bread machine’s efficiency.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, use fresh herbs if you have them! Just increase the quantity to about three times the amount of dried herbs.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover bread?

Simply slice and toast in a toaster or reheating oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and delightful. The aroma, flavor, and texture will truly elevate any meal. Enjoy your baking!

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

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• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful homemade bread filled with Italian herbs and gooey cheese, perfect for meals or as a snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

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Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients to the bread machine according to the manufacturer’s order.
2. Select the ‘Basic’ or ‘Italian’ setting, adjusting the crust preference if necessary.
3. Press start and let the bread maker work.
4. Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
5. Slice, serve, and enjoy with your favorite meal!

Notes

For longer storage, slice the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic, and freeze it. It can last up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Bread Machine
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: herb bread, cheese bread, Italian bread, homemade bread, comfort food