Description
Discover the ultimate Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe that combines fluffy, soft dough with a fragrant blend of dried Italian herbs and a generous mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. This easy-to-follow guide walks you through activating yeast, kneading, rising, and baking to achieve a golden crust and melty cheese center. Perfect for family meals, sandwiches, or as a side for soups, this aromatic loaf delivers classic Italian flavor in every bite. Enjoy it warm, sliced, share with friends toda
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, herbs, and oil; stir to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8‑10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down, fold in mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.
- Shape into a loaf, place in a greased pan, and rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 25‑30 minutes until golden brown; cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a crispier crust
- spray the loaf with water before baking. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to keep the cheese from leaking. Store in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze sliced portions for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Sodium: 2 teaspoons
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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