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To make this tasty bread, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a flavorful bread that is soft and cheesy. The herbs add a lovely Italian flair, making every bite special. You can boost the flavor of your Italian Herb Cheese Bread with some optional ingredients. Consider adding: - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic for more flavor - A mix of other herbs like thyme or rosemary These extras can give your bread a unique twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! If you don’t have some ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture. - Swap instant yeast for active dry yeast, but let it bloom first in warm water. - Use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or feta. These substitutions can help if you are missing something or want to try different flavors. Enjoy making your bread in a way that suits your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Next, sprinkle in 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients well. This ensures all flavors blend together. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of warm water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure the water is about 110°F or 45°C. Slowly pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Now, knead this dough on a lightly floured surface. Do this for about 7-10 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. Once it reaches that point, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down. This releases the air. Now, it’s time to add the cheese. Take 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Knead these into the dough lightly. You want the cheese to mix evenly throughout the dough. This step adds a rich, cheesy flavor to every bite. Next, shape the dough into a loaf. You can also make a round loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again with a damp cloth. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps the bread become fluffy. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After the second rise, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown. Tap the bread; it should sound hollow. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Italian herb cheese bread! Kneading dough is key for great bread. Start by mixing the dry and wet ingredients well. Once combined, knead on a floured surface. Use your palms to push and fold the dough. Do this for 7-10 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a little flour. If it’s too dry, wet your hands and knead again. This will help you get the right texture. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. This keeps the dough warm and moist. Choose a warm spot in your kitchen, like near the oven. Let it rise for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. If your kitchen is cool, it may take longer. Be patient! A good rise gives the bread a nice texture. Before baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important for even cooking. When placing the bread in the oven, make sure to center it. This helps it bake evenly. Check the bread after 25 minutes. It should be golden brown on top. Tap the bread; it should sound hollow. This means it’s done. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your bread. If you have fresh oregano or basil, substitute them for dried for a more vibrant taste. Check Dough Temperature: Make sure your water is at the right temperature (110°F or 45°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it. Let It Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This helps the yeast develop and results in a fluffier bread. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor profile in your bread. {{image_2}} You can easily change the herbs in this bread. Try using fresh herbs for a bright taste. Rosemary adds a strong flavor. Thyme gives a nice earthy note. You could also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. This keeps the bread fresh and fun every time you bake. Cheese is key to this bread. While mozzarella and Parmesan work great, you can mix things up. Cheddar adds a sharpness that many love. Feta brings a crumbly texture and tanginess. For something rich, try using cream cheese. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Making this bread gluten-free is simple. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that has xanthan gum for best results. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese. Replace the warm water with almond milk or any other plant milk. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty bread! To keep your Italian Herb Cheese Bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap. You can also use a resealable bag. Store it at room temperature for 2-3 days. For best results, place it in a bread box. This helps maintain its soft texture and flavor. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze your bread, let it cool completely first. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it inside a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. This bread can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your bread warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the bread and place it directly on the oven rack. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This will bring back its lovely, fresh taste. For a crispier crust, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn! Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Fresh herbs give a bright taste. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried oregano, use three teaspoons of fresh oregano. Chop them finely to release their flavor. Fresh herbs add great color and aroma to the bread. Italian Herb Cheese Bread pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Soup: Tomato or minestrone soup complements the bread well. - Salads: A light salad adds freshness. Try a Caesar or mixed green salad. - Dips: Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. - Cheese Plate: Include a variety of cheeses for a fun snack. - Main Dishes: It works nicely with pasta or grilled meats. To check if the bread is fully baked, tap the top gently. If it sounds hollow, it’s done. The crust should be golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also use a thermometer. The inside should read 190°F (88°C). If it’s not done, bake for a few more minutes. Let it cool before slicing to keep it fluffy. You learned about making Italian Herb Cheese Bread from start to finish. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You explored fun variations for all tastes, including gluten-free and vegan choices. Finally, I shared how to store and reheat your bread to keep it fresh. With these insights, you can bake your own delicious bread at home. Enjoy the fun of experimenting with flavors and sharing your tasty creations! Happy baking!

Italian Herb Cheese Bread

A delicious bread infused with Italian herbs and loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Bread
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water and olive oil. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Incorporate the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the dough, kneading lightly to distribute the cheese evenly.
  • Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Alternatively, you can shape it into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Cover the loaf again with a damp cloth and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cool, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword bread, cheese, herbs, Italian