Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread: A Savory and Cheesy Delight
If you love freshly baked bread with a savory twist, this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and topped with a blend of Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, this bread is flavorful, soft, and perfect for serving alongside soups, pasta, or enjoying on its own. Whether you’re a bread-making novice or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious, bakery-quality bread every time.
Here’s how to make this irresistible bread!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 1.5 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4.5 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to activate. The mixture should become foamy, indicating that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the sugar, salt, and bread flour to the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and knead the dough on low to medium speed for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a soft ball.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into four equal parts. Shape each portion into a bread log, making sure the seams are on the bottom. Place the dough logs on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, leaving about 4 inches of space between each loaf to allow for rising.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for about 40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for light, airy bread.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6: Prepare the Loaves for Baking
Once the dough has risen, uncover the loaves and use a sharp knife to cut three shallow slices on the top of each loaf. This helps the bread expand evenly while baking. Brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter for a golden, crispy crust.
Step 7: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Cheese
Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the tops of the loaves. Then, divide the shredded Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses between the loaves, sprinkling the cheese over the tops for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Bake the loaves on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The cheese should be melted and slightly crisp on top.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the bread finish cooking inside and makes it easier to slice.
Serve your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread warm, alongside your favorite meals, or enjoy it on its own with a dip of olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 loaves
- Calories: 240 kcal per serving
Tips for Success
- Warm Water: Make sure the water is between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold may prevent it from activating.
- Even Baking: For a perfectly even bake, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the loaves for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
- Savory Flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and two types of cheese creates an incredibly flavorful bread that pairs well with any meal.
- Soft and Cheesy: The inside is soft and airy, while the cheesy top adds a satisfying crunch.
- Versatile: This bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping into soups, or serving as an appetizer with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. The fresh herbs, garlic, and cheese elevate the simple bread dough into a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty pasta dish, enjoying it on its own, or using it for sandwiches, this bread will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a delightfully savory loaf that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of garlic and fresh herbs as it bakes. The soft, fluffy interior contrasts perfectly with the golden, cheesy crust, making it an ideal side for soups, pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
1.5 cups Water (warm, 100-110°F)
1.5 tsp Active Dry Yeast
2 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
4.5 cups Bread Flour
1 tbsp Butter (melted)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
In a stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast, letting it sit for 10 minutes to activate.
Add sugar, salt, and bread flour. Attach the dough hook and knead on low to medium speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into four equal parts.
Shape each piece into a bread log and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, leaving 4 inches between each log.
Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for about 40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Uncover the dough, cut three shallow slices on the top of each log with a sharp knife, and brush each with melted butter.
Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the loaves, then divide the shredded cheeses between them.
Bake for 20-25 minutes on the middle rack, or until the bread is golden brown.
Transfer to a cooling rack and let the bread cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 240