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Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a soft, fluffy homemade bread loaded with aromatic Italian herbs and topped with melted cheese for a golden, savory crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 Slices
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook
  • Baking sheet or loaf pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This tells you the yeast is active and ready to work.
    Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 2: Mix the Dough
  1. Add flour, salt, olive oil, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Mix until a soft dough forms. I usually knead it for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 3: First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
    Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 4: Shape and Add Cheese
  1. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning generously on top.
    Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 5: Second Rise
  1. Let the shaped dough rest for another 20–30 minutes. This helps make the bread extra fluffy.
    Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 6: Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
    Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe

Notes

I love serving this bread warm with marinara sauce or alongside pasta dishes.