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Savory Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Italian herb cheese bread - featured image
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A crusty, cheesy loaf dotted with rosemary, oregano, thyme, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb mix (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 170g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100°F/38°C) with 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb mix, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a separate bowl.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not sticky. If too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour.
  5. Fold in the cheese: Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over it. Fold and knead gently just until the cheese is evenly distributed in pockets throughout the dough.
  6. First rise: Lightly oil your mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough gently to release air. Shape it into a round boule or place it into a greased loaf pan. Score the top with a sharp knife if desired.
  8. Second rise: Cover again and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffed.
  9. Bake the bread: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crust sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should be about 200°F (93°C).
  10. Cool and serve: Remove bread from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For extra crispy crust, place a small oven-safe dish with water on the bottom rack during baking to create steam. Use room-temperature water to activate yeast properly. Let dough fully double in size during rising for best texture. Be gentle when folding in cheese to avoid clumps. Baking time may vary by oven; tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese bread, savory bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/savory-italian-herb-cheese-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-delight/