Italian Herb And Cheese Bread With Roasted Red Pepper Swirl

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl takes that experience to a whole new level! Imagine a soft, chewy interior bursting with fragrant herbs and gooey melted cheese, all beautifully swirled with a vibrant roasted red pepper puree. It’s perfect as a side dish with pasta, a delightful addition to a cheese board, or simply enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner bakers, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to create a show-stopping loaf that will become a family favorite!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 500g (4 cups) Bread Flour: Bread flour is key here! Its higher protein content develops more gluten, resulting in a chewier, more structured loaf. While all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, the texture won’t be quite as satisfying.
• 7g (2 ½ tsp) Instant Yeast: Instant yeast, also known as rapid-rise yeast, doesn’t require proofing and can be added directly to the dry ingredients. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
• 10g (2 tsp) Sugar: A touch of sugar feeds the yeast, helping it activate and contribute to a softer crumb.
• 8g (1 ½ tsp) Salt: Salt controls the yeast activity and enhances the overall flavor of the bread. Don’t skip it!
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) Warm Water: The water temperature is crucial – aim for around 40°C/105°F. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• 30ml (2 Tbsp) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and flavor to the dough, contributing to a tender crumb.
• 2g (½ tsp) Dried Oregano: Oregano provides that classic Italian herbaceousness.
• 2g (½ tsp) Dried Basil: Basil complements the oregano beautifully, adding a sweet and slightly peppery note.
• 2g (½ tsp) Dried Thyme: Thyme adds an earthy depth to the herb blend.
• 50g (½ cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Halal-certified Parmesan ensures it meets dietary requirements.
• 100g (1 cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella provides that wonderful stretch and gooeyness. Halal-certified mozzarella is a great option for those seeking it.
• 80g (½ cup) Roasted Red Pepper Puree: You can make your own by roasting red bell peppers and blending them, or use a high-quality jarred puree with no added ingredients.
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic delivers a pungent and aromatic flavor.
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) Olive Oil (for swirl mixture): This olive oil is specifically for blending with the roasted red pepper puree and garlic.
• 5g (1 tsp) Flaky Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt adds a delightful crunch and burst of flavor as a finishing touch.
• 15g (¼ cup) Toasted Pine Nuts (optional garnish): Toasted pine nuts provide a lovely textural contrast and nutty flavor.
• 10ml (2 tsp) Basil-Infused Olive Oil: A drizzle of basil-infused olive oil adds a final layer of herbaceous flavor and beautiful sheen.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Bread Flour: All-purpose flour can be used, but the bread may be slightly less chewy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese makes a good substitute.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead.
• Roasted Red Pepper Puree: You can use a similar amount of sun-dried tomato paste, though the flavor will be different.

Let’s Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide to Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. This ensures the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, crucial for proper rising and flavor development.
2. Add Wet Ingredients & Initial Mix: Add the warm water, olive oil, oregano, basil, and thyme to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix at this stage; just bring it together.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure and chewy texture. A good test is the windowpane test – you should be able to stretch a small piece of dough thin enough to see light through it without tearing.
4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to ferment, creating air bubbles that give the bread its light and airy texture.
5. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Swirl: While the dough is rising, prepare the swirl. In a small bowl, stir together the roasted red pepper puree, minced garlic, olive oil, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This flavorful mixture will create a beautiful and delicious ribbon throughout the bread.
6. Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten it into a 1-cm (½-inch) rectangle.
7. Add the Filling: Spread the roasted red pepper-mozzarella mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a 2-cm (¾-inch) border.
8. Roll and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling like a letter, then gently roll it up from the short side, sealing the seam with a pinch. This creates the signature swirl effect when the bread is sliced.
9. Second Rise: Transfer the rolled loaf to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a round boule on the parchment paper. Cover and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until puffed up.
10. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the top of the loaf lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and lightly caramelized.
12. Finishing Touches: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately drizzle with basil-infused olive oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and toasted pine nuts (if using).
13. Rest and Slice: Allow the bread to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the interior ribbons stay intact and makes slicing easier.

The Magic of the Swirl: Why This Shaping Technique Works

The rolling and folding technique isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a brilliant way to distribute the roasted red pepper and mozzarella filling throughout the bread. As the bread bakes, the filling melts and creates a beautiful, visible swirl. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, chewy bread. The sealed seam prevents the filling from escaping during baking, maintaining the integrity of the swirl.

Tips for the Best Roasted Red Pepper Puree

Using high-quality roasted red pepper puree is key to the flavor of this bread. While jarred puree is convenient, making your own is surprisingly easy and yields a much more vibrant flavor. To make your own, roast red bell peppers until the skin is blackened and blistered. Place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam, then peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and blend the flesh until smooth. Avoid adding water unless absolutely necessary, as it can dilute the flavor.

Cheese Choices: Elevating the Flavor Profile

The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella provides a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness, while mozzarella offers a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Provolone or Asiago would also be delicious additions. Just ensure the cheeses you choose melt well.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Slice

While this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is delicious on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it with a hearty pasta dish, alongside a grilled steak, or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board. It’s also fantastic dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For a truly indulgent experience, try making garlic butter and spreading it on warm slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can, but the bread may not have quite the same chewy texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which develops more gluten.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I store leftover bread?

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Herb and Cheese Bread!

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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