Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Few things spark instant joy like the aroma of freshly baked Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread wafting through the kitchen. With a golden crust, soft cheesy interior, and a fragrant hit of Italian herbs in every bite, this bread is pure comfort—and surprisingly easy to make at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is how each ingredient has a starring role—no fancy mixers or tricky techniques, just simple pantry staples that yield maximum flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create your new favorite loaf:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its structure, with just the right balance of chewiness and softness.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the loaf rise for that dreamy, fluffy interior.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together—be sure it’s not too hot or you’ll risk killing the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors and strengthens the dough.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness, boosting the bread’s aroma as it bakes.
• Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary): These give the loaf its signature herby bouquet—don’t be afraid to play with your favorite blend!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside, creating little pockets of gooey, cheesy bliss.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty layer and crisps up the crust.
• Extra flour for dusting: Prevents sticking as you knead and shape the dough.

Variations

The real magic of homemade Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to switch up the cheese, swap herbs for something bold, or tweak the recipe for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to play.

• Go Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to lend a rustic, nutty taste and a boost of fiber.
• Add Garlic: Toss in a teaspoon of garlic powder or a couple of minced cloves for extra depth and that irresistible Italian breadstick flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute with plant-based cheese and brush the crust with olive oil for a dairy-free version that still packs plenty of flavor.
• Try Other Cheeses: Experiment with sharp cheddar, provolone, or asiago for your own custom cheesy blend.

How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Wait about five minutes—the mixture should become frothy, which is your cue that the yeast is alive and ready for action. Then, add in the flour, salt, dried herbs, and both cheeses. Stir everything together until a sticky but cohesive dough forms; don’t worry if it looks a little rough at this stage!

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and get kneading. This can take 8–10 minutes and is so worth it—the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and a little springy when it’s properly kneaded. If it starts to stick, sprinkle on a little more flour, but resist the urge to overdo it. An ever-so-slightly sticky dough makes for the best Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread.

Step 3: First Rise (Proof the Dough)

Pop the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, then cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise develops gorgeous flavor and that pillowy texture we crave in homemade bread.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough gently to release built-up air—that’s always so satisfying! Shape it into a loaf or press it into a greased bread pan, as you prefer. Cover again and let it rise for about 30 minutes. This second proof gives your bread extra lift and a beautiful final shape.

Step 5: Preheat and Bake

Preheat the oven to a blazing 450°F (230°C) for a gorgeous, crusty finish. Placing a shallow pan of water in the oven creates steam, helping the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread develop that artisan crackle. Bake for 25–30 minutes—your loaf should turn golden brown, sound hollow when tapped, and ideally register 200–210°F inside.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing, even though it’s tempting to dive in! The crumb sets as it cools, making for neater slices and an even more delicious texture. Serve warm or at room temp, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs.

How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, brush the warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, more dried herbs, or even a shower of parmesan right as it comes out of the oven. A little drizzle of olive oil works beautifully, too!

Side Dishes

This bread is practically made to be dunked in tomato soup, served alongside classic lasagna, or used as the ultimate base for panini. It’s equally at home on a brunch spread beside a hearty frittata or next to a fresh, crisp salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread into cubes for a rustic cheese board, or toast slices for dreamy open-faced sandwiches. If you’re entertaining, bake smaller individual rolls or twists for a show-stopping basket everyone will reach for first.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or store in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresher longer, store the bread unsliced—this helps retain that tender crumb.

Freezing

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic, then foil, and tuck into a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to three months—and thaws quickly for those carb emergencies.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 5–8 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds—just enough to bring back that dreamy softness and melt the cheeses again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing better than a warm slice of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread shared with friends or family. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—whether for a special dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Buon appetito!

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