Ultimate Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe Mouthwatering Tech

Ah, bread. The soul of any hearty meal. It’s fascinating how something so simple can bring so much joy and comfort. As a child, I remember walking into my grandmother’s kitchen, immediately enveloped by the warm, yeasty aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with her homemade marinara sauce. Those moments are cherished memories, and they inspire much of what I do in my own kitchen today. Among my favorites is this delightful Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, a recipe I hold dear. It’s the kind of bread that makes your heart feel light and your belly satisfied. Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up, whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or simply want to treat yourself to something warm and cheesy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 💚 Easy to make: It’s a great project for novice bakers.
• 💛 Flavors that warm the soul: The blend of herbs and cheese offers irresistible comfort.
• 💙 Versatile: Perfect as a side, snack, or standalone treat.
• 💜 Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread to life:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to feed the yeast)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic totally amps up the flavor here!)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get those hands doughy. Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. The dried herbs will add that lovely Italian flair to your bread!
3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough starts to come together. It will be a bit sticky, and that’s perfectly okay!
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Keep the flour handy – don’t overdo it, or your bread may end up dense!
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
6. Incorporate the cheese: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This is when your kitchen will begin to smell heavenly!
7. Shape the loaf: Roll the dough into a shape of your choice – a round loaf, a baguette, or even little rolls if you’re feeling fancy. Place it on a lined or greased baking sheet.
8. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. It’s worth the wait!
9. Preheat your oven: While your dough rises the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the bread: Once the dough is puffy and beautiful, pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it makes a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. The kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian pizzeria during this time!
11. Cool & enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing. Pair it with your favorite dipping oil, soup, or simply enjoy it as is!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let me sprinkle in a few pro tips to elevate your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread:

• Herb swaps: Feel free to swap out the herbs! Try adding fresh parsley, thyme, or even a spicy kick with crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheese choices: Mix things up with some provolone or gouda for a different cheesy flavor. Or keep it classic with just mozzarella for that lovely stretch.
• Add-ins: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions can add a delightful twist.
• Make it whole grain: Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

There’s something about fresh bread that instantly brightens up any meal. You can serve your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with:

• A warm bowl of tomato soup for a comforting pairing ❤️.
• Bruschetta toppings for a stylish appetizer at your next gathering.
• A simple side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light lunch.
• With a cup of rich coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Storage Tips

Want to save some of that deliciousness for later? Here’s how to store your bread:

• Room temperature: Keep your bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days. The towel helps maintain its moisture.
• Refrigerate: If you live in a humid area, you can place it in the fridge, but I recommend letting it come back to room temperature before enjoying.
• Freeze: For longer storage, slice your bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay fresh for up to 3 months! Just pop a slice in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can use the same amount of instant yeast. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without the activation step. Simple as that!

What if I don’t have all the herbs?

No worries! Feel free to get creative with whatever herbs you have on hand. Italian seasoning blend works great and saves you a step!

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and the second rise.

Why is my bread dense?

Dense bread usually results from over-kneading, not enough yeast activation, or not allowing it enough time to rise. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with light, airy bread!

Conclusion

There you have it! Your very own Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, baking away in your kitchen, just waiting to fill your home with the warm aromas of Italy. I can already picture you slicing into that crispy crust, with melted cheese stretching out tantalizingly. I truly hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your home. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Maybe even share your creative twists or a cozy serving suggestion you’ve come up with. Happy baking, my friend, and may your kitchen always smell like home!

Ultimate Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe Mouthwatering Tech

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

Bake a delicious Italian herb cheese bread with this ultimate recipe Discover easy techniques for a mouthwatering flavor experience

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, oregano, basil, and garlic powder.

Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Incorporate the cheese: After the dough has risen, punch it down and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Shape the loaf: Roll the dough into a shape of your choice and place it on a lined or greased baking sheet.

Second rise: Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Cool & enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 160 calories
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Fat: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 5 grams

Keywords: Italian Bread, Cheese Bread, Herb Bread, Baking Recipes, Homemade Bread