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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 12 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a fragrant, flavorful loaf infused with aromatic dried Italian herbs and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft inside, this bread makes a delightful accompaniment to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or can be savored on its own with olive oil for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional

  • 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 the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese into the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the sticky dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Add small amounts of flour if needed to manage stickiness.
  4. Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Bread: Gently punch down the risen dough to release built-up air. Shape it into a loaf or place it inside a greased bread pan. Cover again and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Add a shallow pan filled with water to the bottom of the oven to create steam, which will help develop a crisp crust.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach between 200°F to 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. Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for dipping or pairing with your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • For a stronger herbal flavor, increase the quantity of dried herbs or try fresh herbs if available.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends such as provolone or asiago for varied tastes.
  • This bread pairs excellently with Italian pasta dishes, salads, or as a sandwich base.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, aromatic bread, baking bread

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