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Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

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A quick and easy Italian herb and cheese bread recipe that pairs perfectly with soups, featuring a crispy cheesy crust and soft herby inside, ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons Italian herb mix (dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary) or 1 tablespoon fresh finely chopped herbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons Italian herb mix, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. Combine dough: Once yeast mixture is bubbly, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup) into the bowl. Slowly add dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until dough begins to come together. Dough will be sticky.
  4. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead dough for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if too sticky, but avoid adding too much.
  5. Let it rise: Place dough in oiled bowl, cover with kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 20 minutes until slightly puffed.
  6. Shape the loaf: Deflate dough gently and shape into a round or oval loaf on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and all Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake bread for 15-18 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned. Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool briefly: Let bread cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For a crispier crust, place a small oven-safe dish with water in the oven during baking to create steam. Do not slice bread immediately after baking to avoid smooshing; let it cool for about 10 minutes. Fresh yeast should be proofed to ensure it’s active. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but avoid adding too much flour to prevent dryness. You can prepare dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread, quick bread recipe, soup side, easy bread, homemade bread, cheesy bread, herb bread

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/italian-herb-and-cheese-bread-recipe-easy-perfect-soup-side-in-30-minutes/