If you love homemade bread with that irresistible aroma and flavor, you’re going to absolutely fall for Italian Herbs Cheese Bread. Imagine a golden, crusty loaf packed with fragrant herbs and melty cheese, perfect for tearing apart while it’s warm and pillowy-soft inside! This is the kind of bread that vanishes the moment it hits the table. Whether you’re making it to pair with soup, to enjoy as a savory snack, or to serve up impressive sandwiches, Italian Herbs Cheese Bread never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Italian Herbs Cheese Bread truly special is how each ingredient brings out the best in flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need — and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour or bread flour: The base of your loaf; bread flour yields a chewier texture, while all-purpose is soft and tender.
- Sugar: Just a touch, to feed the yeast and subtly boost flavor.
- Instant yeast: The secret to a lofty, fluffy rise — and it makes the process a breeze.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of dried herbs that turns an ordinary loaf into classic Italian Herbs Cheese Bread.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and brings a cozy note.
- Warm water (110°F): Just the right temperature to activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
- Olive oil: For a bit of richness and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside and bubbles up golden on top for that irresistible stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory and nutty, it adds punch both inside and out.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color!
How to Make Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by stirring together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. This ensures every bite will be packed with flavor. Next, add the warm water and olive oil. Mix everything until a shaggy dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl — your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!
Step 2: Knead for Structure
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand for 5–7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook), until it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed. This step develops the gluten, which gives your Italian Herbs Cheese Bread that irresistible chewy crumb.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and feels airy when poked.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Shape
Gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Work in 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan, folding the cheese right into the dough for pockets of gooey, savory flavor. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a well-greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This stage creates that bakery-style height and fluffy texture. As the Italian Herbs Cheese Bread rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the perfect bake.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Right before baking, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the loaf. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bread is deeply golden and sounds hollow when you tap it. The cheese will bubble and caramelize into a mouthwatering crust!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Italian Herbs Cheese Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This keeps the crust crisp and ensures slices stay neat (if you can wait that long before digging in!). Garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Italian Herbs Cheese Bread
Garnishes
For a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your Italian Herbs Cheese Bread before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil or a grind of black pepper makes each slice feel gourmet, and a scattering of extra Parmesan ensures extra cheesy appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread turns any meal into a feast! Serve it with a cozy bowl of tomato basil soup, alongside your favorite pasta, or as a hearty side for a big salad. Italian Herbs Cheese Bread is also fantastic as a base for bruschetta or dipped into fragrant herbed olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your loaf and use it for the world’s best grilled cheese sandwiches, or cube it for a savory bread pudding. For appetizers, cut into strips and serve with warm marinara for dipping. Impress guests by toasting slices and topping with whipped ricotta, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), store Italian Herbs Cheese Bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb soft and the crust pleasantly chewy.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or toasting.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, warm leftover slices in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This crisps up the cheese and wakes up the herby aroma. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the crust is best in the oven!
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar, fontina, or provolone are delicious swaps or additions for an extra melty, flavorful twist on Italian Herbs Cheese Bread.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can create your own quick blend with equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of marjoram or sage. Adjust to taste!
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before adding the cheese and proceeding with the final shape and rise.
How do I get a crispy crust?
For a crunchier crust, place a pan of hot water on the lower rack of your oven while baking. The steam helps create that bakery-style finish for your Italian Herbs Cheese Bread.
Can I make it gluten free?
It’s possible by using a gluten-free bread flour blend that’s designed for yeasted breads. Be sure to follow any extra hydration or structural recommendations from your flour’s instructions.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a fragrant, cheesy loaf like Italian Herbs Cheese Bread out of your own oven — and sharing it with friends or family. Don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen; soon, you’ll be making it on repeat, and everyone will be asking for the secret!
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Italian Herbs Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of this Italian Herbs Cheese Bread, a flavorful homemade loaf bursting with the richness of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, accented by a blend of aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal or as a side to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese Mix:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in warm water and olive oil to form a soft dough. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Cheese Mix: Punch down dough, fold in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Shape into loaf, place in greased pan, and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle remaining cheese over loaf. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Consider using bread flour for a chewier texture
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor
- Great for toasting or making sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
