Name: Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3½ cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1 cup warm water (110°F); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons butter, softened; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you adore warm, flavorful bread with just the right balance of herbs and cheese, you are going to fall head over heels for this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe. This bread has an irresistibly soft, tender crumb intertwined with aromatic Italian herbs and a melty, cheesy center that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. It’s perfect fresh from the oven with a golden crust that beckons you to tear it apart and savor every bite, whether for a comforting snack or alongside your favorite meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will instantly become a staple in your kitchen.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, the magic of this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this bread truly special.

3½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, elastic dough that holds everything together beautifully.

2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The little powerhouse that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast for a perfect rise and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.

1½ teaspoons salt: Balances flavors and enhances the taste of the herbs and cheese.
1 cup warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and creates the perfect dough consistency.

3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and a fruity richness.
4 tablespoons butter, softened: Infused with herbs and garlic for a deeply savory spread inside the bread.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that signature kick of garlicky goodness.

1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend: A fragrant mix that gives this bread its classic Mediterranean essence.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, cheesy pockets throughout the bread.
½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty bite for contrast.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A burst of fresh green flavor and a lovely visual touch.

How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start Your Dough

Begin by mixing warm water with sugar and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Leave this to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—that’s the yeast waking up and ready to work its magic. Once bubbly, stir in the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to start forming your dough.

Step 2: Knead to Perfection

Turn your shaggy dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. This part is key because kneading develops the gluten, giving you that smooth, elastic dough that will rise beautifully. Add the remaining flour little by little if the dough feels too sticky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will double in size as the yeast ferments, adding lightness and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Herb Butter

While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and your dried Italian herbs. This fragrant butter mixture will transform your bread with bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Shape and Layer

Roll your risen dough out into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the herbed butter evenly on top, then sprinkle the mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh parsley all over. This layering brings that wonderful cheesy, herbal goodness right into the heart of the bread.

Step 6: Roll and Second Rise

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, making sure to pinch the seam securely to seal all those tasty fillings inside. Place your loaf into a greased 9 by 5-inch pan and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the loaf into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread should develop a gorgeous golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, signaling it’s perfectly baked inside. This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe is absolute heaven when served warm!

How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped parsley or even a touch of grated parmesan right before serving to add a fresh burst and uplifting aroma. A drizzle of olive oil on the side makes for a simple but elegant garnish that perfectly complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside hearty soups, vibrant salads, or your favorite Italian mains like pasta or lasagna. It’s so flavorful on its own that it can easily double as an appetizer or a comforting snack between meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the bread into thick wedges and serve warm on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara or garlic-infused olive oil for dipping. You can also transform leftovers into delicious sandwiches by layering with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cold cuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread fresh, store it tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its soft texture and keeps the herbs and cheese flavors vibrant.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. This preserves freshness beautifully without sacrificing that irresistible homemade taste.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in a warm oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back the melty cheese and soft crumb, making it just as satisfying as fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of dried herbs (so roughly 4.5 tablespoons) and finely chop them before mixing into the butter for an even distribution.

What type of cheese is best for this bread?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect here because mozzarella melts wonderfully and parmesan adds a nice salty, tangy punch. You can experiment with provolone or asiago for a different twist, but mozzarella remains a reliable classic.

Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?

Yes! You can shape the dough into a free-form oval or round loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Adjust baking time slightly and look for a golden crust and hollow sound when tapped.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap butter for a plant-based spread, ensure your cheese is vegan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and substitute the honey (if any) with maple syrup or sugar. The dough’s rise and texture should still be lovely!

Why does the bread need two rises?

Two rises ensure the dough develops the right texture and flavor. The first rise builds volume and flavor while the second helps create a tender crumb and allows the bread to hold its shape after you roll it with the herbs and cheese inside.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about making and sharing homemade bread, and this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable yet wonderfully flavorful, making every bite feel like a warm celebration of Italian-inspired goodness. Whether you’re baking for your family or impressing friends, this bread will quickly become a treasured part of your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that comforting, cheesy herb-infused aroma filling your home.