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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic Italian herbs, garlic butter, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden, crusty exterior, this bread makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal or a savory snack on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

Herb Butter Mixture

  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, adding the remaining ½ cup of flour as needed, and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herb blend until well combined.
  5. Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the dough surface.
  6. Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley evenly over the buttered dough.
  7. Roll and Seal: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal the loaf well.
  8. Second Rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh Italian herbs for the dried herb blend for a fresher flavor.
  • Be careful not to add too much flour while kneading; the dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  • For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • This bread is best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier mixing with garlic and herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herbs bread, cheese bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, savory bread, mozzarella bread, parmesan bread

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/italian-herbs-and-cheese-bread-recipe/