why make this recipe
This bread smells great and tastes rich. It uses common ingredients and fills your home with garlic and herbs. It pairs well with soups and salads. The recipe is easy to follow and makes a soft, cheesy loaf everyone will like.
introduction
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread mixes garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, and two kinds of cheese for a warm loaf. For a simple side, try this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe to serve with it.
how to make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Warm the water to about 110°F. Mix water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Wait 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough out on a floured surface. Knead 6–8 minutes, adding the rest of the flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs.
- Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal. Place the roll in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Ingredients :
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix softened butter with garlic and dried herbs.
- Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle, spread with herb butter, and sprinkle with cheeses and parsley.
- Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let rise another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. This Italian herbs and cheese bread is best served warm!
how to serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Serve warm with soup or salad. Slice and offer butter or olive oil for dipping. It also makes a good side for pasta dishes and grilled meats. Leftover slices are good toasted for sandwiches.
how to store Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Let the loaf cool completely. Wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen.
tips to make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Use warm water (about 110°F) so the yeast wakes up.
- Don’t add all the flour at once; add more only if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly springy.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
variation (if any)
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives before rolling for extra taste.
- Replace dried herbs with fresh basil and oregano if you prefer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. If you use instant yeast, mix it with the flour and skip the 5-minute proof step. Reduce rising time if needed.
Q: Can I make this bread in a free-form shape instead of a loaf pan?
A: Yes. Roll and shape the bread into a log or braid and bake on a sheet pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: The crust should be golden and the loaf should sound hollow when you tap the bottom. An internal temperature of 190–200°F is done.
Q: Can I add more cheese inside the bread?
A: Yes, but too much cheese can make the loaf dense. Add a little at a time so the dough still rolls well.
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, cheesy loaf infused with garlic and Italian herbs, perfect as a side for soups and salads.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Wait 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough out on a floured surface. Knead 6–8 minutes, adding the rest of the flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs.
- Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and let it rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow when tapped. Let it cool briefly before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm with butter or olive oil for dipping. Wrap leftovers in plastic and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg