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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

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This easy homemade Italian herbs and cheese bread is a savory, crowd-pleasing loaf packed with melty cheese and fragrant herbs. Perfect for beginners, it’s a comforting side for soups, pasta, or as a snack, and can be made with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups bread flour (375g)
  • 1 cup warm water (240ml)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (12g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (8g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (4g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115g)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (60g)
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (14g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (15g)

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup warm water into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the yeast and sugar, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
  2. Add olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Gradually add bread flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes).
  5. Gently knead in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and shape into a log. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 25-30 minutes, until puffy above the rim.
  8. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush over the risen dough. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is deep golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Let the dough rise fully for a light crumb. Customize with different cheeses or add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Bread is best served warm but can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, savory loaf, easy bread recipe, herbs and cheese bread, beginner bread, side dish, comfort food, Italian herbs

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/italian-herbs-and-cheese-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-savory-loaf/