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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 32 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf infused with a blend of dried Italian herbs and a delicious mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden crust, this bread makes an excellent side for any meal or a tasty snack on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)

Cheese Ingredients

  • 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 the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir well until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Use extra flour as needed if the dough is too sticky to handle.
  4. Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape into a loaf or place it into a greased bread pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam, which helps develop a crispy crust.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it develops a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped. Check that the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F for perfect doneness.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried Italian herbs with fresh herbs, but reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon.
  • For a stronger cheesy flavor, add extra Parmesan on top before baking.
  • Be careful not to add too much flour while kneading to keep the bread soft.
  • Adding steam during baking helps create a crispy crust; you can also spritz water into the oven if needed.
  • Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herbs bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, aromatic bread, easy bread recipe

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