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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread combines fragrant dried Italian herbs with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheeses for a savory loaf bursting with flavor. Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, this homemade bread is ideal for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if it is too sticky.
  4. Proof the dough: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.
  7. Bake the bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 200-210°F for perfect doneness.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
  • Adding steam during baking helps achieve a crusty exterior.
  • Use fresh dried herbs for the best aroma and flavor.
  • If baking in a bread pan, greasing it well prevents sticking.
  • Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents a gummy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread

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