Description
This Cheesy Italian Herb Bread is a golden, crusty loaf infused with aromatic herbs and loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, it delivers comforting, bakery-style flavor in every slice.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in the olive oil, salt, dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Substitute mozzarella with provolone or an Italian cheese blend for deeper flavor.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Brush the top with garlic butter before baking for a richer crust.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top during the last 10 minutes for a cheesier finish.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze sliced for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes or toast individual slices.
Fresh herbs can be used by tripling the amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
