There's something truly delightful about homemade bread, especially when it’s infused with Italian herbs and gooey cheese. This Delicious Italian Herb And Cheese Bread brings together aromatic flavors and a cheesy goodness that will elevate any meal or serve as a fantastic appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, and thyme)
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dried herbs. Stir well to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the flour.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together into a shaggy mass.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough rises, mix the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12x18 inches. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under.
Place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the rising time.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
