Description
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a delicious homemade loaf infused with classic Italian seasonings and loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a savory side or for sandwiches, this bread features a tender crumb with a golden crust, enhanced by a buttery parsley topping. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Cheeses & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar together. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the flour.
- Form Dough: Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms, bringing all the ingredients together.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Add Cheese: Punch down the risen dough and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape & Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, let it cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm, not hot, to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Kneading is important to develop gluten which gives the bread structure.
- You can substitute fresh Italian herbs for dried if available, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- Brush the top with extra melted butter for a softer crust or olive oil for a crisper crust.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, savory loaf, easy homemade bread
