Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with classic Italian seasonings and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden crust on the outside, this bread is ideal for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite Italian meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until thoroughly combined to create a consistent base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the dry mixture, stirring well with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, working it until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure for a better texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to expand.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the bread.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release trapped air. Fold in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Shape the Loaf: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it onto a greased baking sheet or into a loaf pan to maintain structure during baking.
- Second Rest: Allow the shaped loaf to rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, which gives it a final rise for a lighter texture.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for several minutes to allow the cheese to set inside before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Kneading by hand can be replaced with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for convenience.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and color contrast.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if desired.
- Store leftover bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
