Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

If you are craving a warm, savory treat that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, this Italian Herb Cheese Bread is exactly what you need. Combining the fragrant notes of dried rosemary and oregano with gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan, this bread is a delightful balance of herbs, cheese, and fluffy texture. Whether you’re serving it with dinner or enjoying it as a snack, the Italian Herb Cheese Bread never fails to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Italian Herb Cheese Bread. From the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully to the combination of cheeses that provide a rich, melty interior, every component enhances the bread’s flavor and texture.

• 3 cups all purpose flour: The base for your dough, giving structure and chewiness.
• 1 packet active dry yeast: Vital for making the bread light and fluffy through fermentation.
• 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity richness.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for balancing flavors and tightens gluten formation.
• 1 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and brings a hint of sweetness to the crust.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: Offers that classic woodsy, piney herbal flavor.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Enhances the Italian flair with its robust, slight bitterness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey pockets inside the bread.
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharper, salty finish that complements mozzarella perfectly.

How to Make Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This step is crucial because it ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 2: Mix the dough

Next, add olive oil, salt, rosemary, oregano, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. The herbs are already infusing the dough with their wonderful aroma, setting the stage for a flavorful bread.

Step 3: Knead until smooth and elastic

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes. The kneading develops gluten, giving your bread a chewy texture and ensuring it rises nicely. When the dough feels smooth and elastic, it’s ready for the next step.

Step 4: First rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour. During this time, the dough doubles in size, which is key to achieving that light, airy crumb Italian Herb Cheese Bread is known for.

Step 5: Add the cheeses and shape

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the surface. Then, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll. This rolling technique traps the cheeses inside, ensuring every slice is bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Second rise

Transfer your rolled dough to a greased baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This allows the roll to puff up and guarantees a tender, fluffy bread once baked.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection

Bake at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes until the Italian Herb Cheese Bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside is melty and inviting. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing to preserve the cheesy goodness in every bite.

How to Serve Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, brush the top of your Italian Herb Cheese Bread with some melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven. Sprinkle a little extra dried herbs or a pinch of sea salt for a beautiful shine and flavor boost that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or a hearty bowl of minestrone soup for a cozy, satisfying meal. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to pasta dishes or a charcuterie board for casual entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Slice the Italian Herb Cheese Bread thick, then lightly toast the pieces before serving. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Another fun idea is to slice it into mini pull-apart rolls, perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Italian Herb Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its delectable flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save your Italian Herb Cheese Bread for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the unbaked rolled dough tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it rise before baking as usual for freshly baked goodness anytime.

Reheating

To revive leftover bread, warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread rubbery instead of maintaining that perfect crust.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

You absolutely can! Fresh rosemary and oregano will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as fresh herbs are less concentrated.

What cheese works best for this bread?

Mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices for Italian Herb Cheese Bread because of their melting qualities and flavor contrast. However, you can experiment with provolone or fontina for different cheesy profiles.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure, you can try gluten-free flour blends designed for bread baking. Keep in mind the texture might be denser, so follow any specific blend instructions for best results.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown on top, and tapping the bottom of the loaf should produce a hollow sound. Using an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature is around 190°F is another reliable method.

Can this bread be made without yeast?

This specific recipe depends on yeast for its texture and rise. If you want a yeast-free alternative, consider quick breads using baking powder or soda, but they will have a different crumb and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about freshly baked Italian Herb Cheese Bread filling your home with its irresistible scent. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring people together around the table, offering a slice of warm, cheesy goodness in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite bread to share with family and friends!

Print