Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe combines aromatic Italian herbs with a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a flavorful homemade loaf. The bread boasts a crispy golden crust and a soft, cheesy interior, perfect for serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes or enjoying on its own as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) (10 grams, mixed)
Cheese Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and active.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and Italian herbs to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough begins to form, bringing the components together.
- Knead the dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a better texture.
- Incorporate the cheese: Flatten the dough slightly and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the dough for a cheesy interior.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and expand the dough.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round boule, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for the second rise.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up to improve the bread’s lightness.
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the bread with a crispy crust.
- Score the bread: Using a sharp knife, make shallow slashes on the surface of the dough to allow for controlled expansion during baking and add an attractive pattern.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing, allowing the interior to set and making it easier to cut.
Notes
- Using warm water at about 110°F helps activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading time is crucial for gluten development; avoid under-kneading to ensure proper texture.
- Incorporate cheeses evenly to avoid clumps and ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra Italian herbs on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs
