Description
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread features a soft, chewy interior with fragrant herbs, melted cheese, and a vibrant roasted red pepper swirl. It’s perfect as a side dish or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (4 cups) Bread Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- 7g (2.5 tsp) Instant Yeast: Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- 10g (2 tsp) Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a softer crumb.
- 8g (1.5 tsp) Salt: Controls yeast and enhances flavor.
- 300ml (1.25 cups) Warm Water: Aim for 40°C/105°F.
- 30ml (2 Tbsp) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor.
- 2g (0.5 tsp) Dried Oregano: Provides classic Italian flavor.
- 2g (0.5 tsp) Dried Basil: Complements oregano with a sweet note.
- 2g (0.5 tsp) Dried Thyme: Adds earthy depth.
- 50g (0.5 cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated.
- 100g (1 cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretch and gooeyness.
- 80g (0.5 cup) Roasted Red Pepper Puree: Use high-quality puree.
- 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Delivers pungent flavor.
- 15ml (1 Tbsp) Olive Oil (for swirl): For blending with puree and garlic.
- 5g (1 tsp) Flaky Sea Salt: Adds crunch and flavor.
- 15g (0.25 cup) Toasted Pine Nuts (optional): For textural contrast.
- 10ml (2 tsp) Basil-Infused Olive Oil: Adds herbaceous flavor.
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients & Mix: Add water, oil, oregano, basil, and thyme; mix until shaggy.
- Knead the Dough: Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape into a ball, oil bowl, cover, and rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare Pepper Swirl: Combine puree, garlic, oil, and mozzarella.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down dough, flatten into a rectangle.
- Add the Filling: Spread pepper mixture over dough, leaving a border.
- Roll and Seal: Roll up dough, sealing the seam.
- Second Rise: Transfer to loaf pan, cover, and rise for 30-40 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F); brush with oil, sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with basil oil, sprinkle with salt and pine nuts.
- Rest and Slice: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a more vibrant flavor, consider making your own roasted red pepper puree. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or asiago.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: bread,italian,herb,cheese,roasted red pepper,homemade,baking,easy,side dish