Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Unleash the Flavor of Italy in Your Kitchen!

Imagine walking into a cozy Italian kitchen, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread with hints of herbs and cheese wafting through the air. Now, picture yourself replicating that magic in your own home with an incredibly easy recipe that even the busiest of us can whip up! This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a fun project that transforms simple ingredients into a herb-infused masterpiece.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you dive into making this scrumptious Italian bread? Well, let me tell you why:

• Effortless Preparation: It’s as simple as mixing, kneading, rising, and baking. You’ll hardly break a sweat!
• Family Approved: Who doesn’t love the gooey goodness of cheese in bread? It’s a hit with kids and adults alike—no fuss, just fun!
• Versatile and Budget-Friendly: You can whip this up with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Affordable indulgence at its best!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Directions

Ready to make magic happen? Follow these simple steps:

1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, salt, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: On a floured surface, knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough and fold in mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Shape the bread: Form the dough into a round boule and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Final rise: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
9. Preheat the oven: Set it to 425°F (220°C).
10. Score the bread: Make shallow slashes on the surface.
11. Bake: Place the bread in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 190°F (88°C).
12. Cool: Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Overview)

Let’s break it down step-by-step! This process is quite forgiving, so stay relaxed. Start by bringing your yeast to life—let it bubble like magic. Next, combine your flour and herbs to create your base. Mix in the wet ingredients for that glorious dough. Knead until smooth, then fold in the cheesy goodness. Let it rise, shape it, and give it a warm oven embrace. Easy peasy, right? Pro tip: Don’t rush the rising stages; that’s where all the flavor develops!

How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Slice into this golden-brown loaf, and you’ll see the perfect cheese melt pulling apart. Serve it warm and fresh, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for that wow factor! Pair it with marinara sauce for a delightful dip or enjoy alongside a vibrant salad for a more complete meal. The crunch of the crust meets the soft, cheesy interior—it’s a party for your palate!

How to Store Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

This bread stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. Just wrap it well to lock in that moisture. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer! Slice it before freezing for easy thawing. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave, and just like that, you’ll have warm, delicious bread ready to go!

Tips to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

• Timing is Key: Patience pays off. Letting the dough rise properly gives you that airy texture.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone, or add some goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Additional Herbs: Don’t hesitate to throw in some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can jazz it up by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives into the mix! For a vegan twist, swap the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

FAQs

• Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  Absolutely! Just know it might make your bread a tad chewier—some folks love that texture!

• How do I make this ahead?
  Prepare the dough and let it rise. You can freeze the shaped dough and bake it straight from the freezer—just add a few minutes to the baking time.

• What’s the best way to reheat leftover bread?
  Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. It’ll regain that freshly baked crunch!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!