Description
This homemade Italian herbs and cheese bread is filled with the rich flavors of aromatic herbs and gooey cheese. Perfectly baked with a crispy crust, it’s a delightful addition to any meal or a tasty snack on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 200-210°F.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Notes
For a more intense flavor, feel free to add more herbs or experiment with different cheese combinations. This bread pairs beautifully with pasta, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed with olive oil as a simple snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Baking with herbs, Cheese and herbs baking, Cheese bread techniques, Homemade bread secrets, Italian bread recipes, Italian cuisine, Savory bread recipes