I crafted this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, blending classic Italian Bread Recipes with the finest Parmesan and mozzarella and hints of garlic powder and oregano. Mixed with all-purpose flour, olive oil, and active dry yeast, each slice teases your palate with a unique medley of hearty, savory flavors.

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I’ve always been into experimenting with new twists on classic recipes so when I first came across my Delicious Italian Herb And Cheese Bread, I kinda knew it was going to be a game changer. I mixed together 4 cups all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F), added 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar and olive oil, and then thrown in some dried oregano, basil and garlic powder for that bold kick.

Topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1 cup shredded mozzarella, its a cheese bread recipe that’s the perfect upgrade to your usual Italian bread recipes. Whether you’re using your bread machine or kneading by hand, this artisan bread recipe is super easy and truly delivers on taste.

Give it a try and see how simple ingredients work together to create an unforgettable herb bread experience.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the bread always comes out super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, its like the perfect combo of textures.
I really dig how the cheese and herbs mix together to give it a true Italian vibe, it makes every bite really flavorful.
I also enjoy the process of making it, even if i mess up sometimes it feels cool to learn and get better at baking.
Lastly, i gotta say the smell when its baking is amazing – it fills my house with this warm, comforting aroma that just makes me happy.

Ingredients

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All-purpose flour gives carbohydrates for energy; its the base of our bread dough.
Warm water activates yeast, helping the dough rise and develop flavor.
Active dry yeast ferments sugars to create bubbles, giving the bread a fluffy texture.
Olive oil adds healthy fats and moisture that enrich the bread flavor.
Parmesan cheese brings a salty, sharp taste and ups protein and calcium.
Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, making the bread gooey and rich in protein.
Dried oregano and basil lend earthy aroma and vibrant taste to our Italian bread.
Sugar gives subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast for an even rise.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F)

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried basil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash

How to Make this

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1. In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F) with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy.

2. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you’re using them).

3. Pour the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir everything together until it starts to form a dough.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Knead in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese gently so the cheeses are spread evenly without melting too much.

6. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

7. After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Put it into a greased bread pan or on a baking sheet.

8. Brush the top with a lightly beaten egg to give your bread a nice, shiny crust.

9. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

10. Let the bread cool for a few minutes on a rack before slicing it up. Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian herb and cheese bread!

Equipment Needed

1. A small bowl for mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. A large bowl to combine the flour with salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring all the ingredients.
4. A wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixtures together.
5. A clean, lightly floured work surface for kneading the dough.
6. A dough scraper (if you have one) to help shape and handle the dough.
7. A bread pan or baking sheet to form the loaf before baking.
8. A small bowl and a pastry brush or spoon for the egg wash.
9. An oven to bake the bread at 375°F.
10. A cooling rack to let the bread cool after it comes out of the oven.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to make this bread?

A: It takes about 1 hour for the dough to rise (sometimes more if its really cold) and then around 25 to 30 minutes baking time until its golden brown.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

A: Yes you can. Just shape the dough, wrap it up well and freeze it. When you're ready to use it, defrost it in the fridge overnight and let it come back to room temp.

Q: Can I use different cheeses instead of Parmesan and mozzarella?

A: Absolutely, you can swap them with your favorite melty cheeses like cheddar or provolone, but the taste might be a little different.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done?

A: The bread is done when its got a nice golden crust and it sounds hollow when you tap on it. If you're in doubt, try checking the internal temp of about 200°F.

Q: What if I dont have active dry yeast?

A: You can use instant yeast instead, just use a little less (around 25% less) since it's a bit stronger.

Delicious Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe – Easy To Make At Home! Substitutions and Variations

You can swap out 1-2 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to give it a nuttier taste and extra fiber
If you don’t have active dry yeast, try using instant yeast instead but reduce the warm water slightly to adjust for moisture
You can replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey for a subtle, richer sweetness
If you lack Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute that brings a sharper flavor to the bread
You can use warm milk instead of warm water to create a richer dough with a softer texture

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the water you’re using is around 110°F. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if its too cool, the yeast might not get the chance to bubble up properly.
2. When you’re kneading the dough, use just enough flour on the surface to keep it from sticking without adding too much extra. This helps keep the dough light and not too dry.
3. Fold the cheese in gently after the dough has been kneaded to avoid melting it completely. You want little pockets of melty cheese instead of a homogenous mixture.
4. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. If you’ve got a bit more time, a longer rise can really help develop the flavor, so don’t rush it if you dont have to.

Delicious Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe – Easy To Make At Home!

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

343

kcal

Equipment: 1. A small bowl for mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. A large bowl to combine the flour with salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring all the ingredients.
4. A wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixtures together.
5. A clean, lightly floured work surface for kneading the dough.
6. A dough scraper (if you have one) to help shape and handle the dough.
7. A bread pan or baking sheet to form the loaf before baking.
8. A small bowl and a pastry brush or spoon for the egg wash.
9. An oven to bake the bread at 375°F.
10. A cooling rack to let the bread cool after it comes out of the oven.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash

Directions

In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F) with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy.
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you're using them).
Pour the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir everything together until it starts to form a dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Knead in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese gently so the cheeses are spread evenly without melting too much.
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Put it into a greased bread pan or on a baking sheet.
Brush the top with a lightly beaten egg to give your bread a nice, shiny crust.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool for a few minutes on a rack before slicing it up. Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian herb and cheese bread!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.