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Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe You Need to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients. I always recommend using good-quality cheese and fresh herbs when possible, as they truly elevate the flavor. Growing up, my grandmother insisted on fresh rosemary from her garden, which made all the difference. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried will do just fine. The flour you choose also matters—bread flour adds a lovely chew, but all-purpose flour is a perfectly fine and accessible substitute.

  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar

Instructions

  1. Begin by activating the yeast: combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work. I remember the first time I skipped this step, and the dough just wouldn’t rise properly. Don’t skip it!
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the chopped herbs to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the flour until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Kneading is where the magic happens, developing the gluten that gives the bread its structure. When I first started baking, I underestimated the power of good kneading—it truly makes a difference.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Once risen, gently punch down the dough and fold in the shredded cheese and remaining herbs, distributing them evenly without deflating the dough too much.
  6. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle a little extra cheese and herbs on top for that golden crust.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing to avoid a gummy texture inside.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Find it online: https://artofeasycooking.com/italian-herb-and-cheese-bread/