Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a savory loaf flavored with fresh herbs and two types of cheese, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour You can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) Use warm water for yeast activation.
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast Use instant yeast as an alternative.
- 1 teaspoon salt Reduce to ¾ teaspoon for lower-sodium needs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Any neutral oil can be used in a pinch.
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) Dried herbs can be substituted with fresh; use triple the amount.
For the Cheesy Fold
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a stronger flavor, swap some mozzarella for sharp cheddar.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups warm water and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Let sit until frothy, about 5–10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons Italian herbs. Make a well in the center.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
- Flatten the dough slightly, spread the cheeses on top, then fold and knead gently until the cheeses are distributed throughout.
Rising and Baking
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until puffed, about 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Score the top of the loaf then bake until golden and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C), about 25–30 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Let the loaf cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy slices. For extra crisp crust, place a small oven-safe pan of hot water in the oven while it preheats to create steam.