Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever strolled past a bakery and been drawn in by the irresistible aroma of fresh, cheesy bread mingling with fragrant herbs, this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is the kitchen creation for you. This homemade loaf marries pillowy tenderness with the punchy flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and melted cheese, creating a bread that’s so much more than a sidekick. Whether you toast it for breakfast, sandwich it at lunch, or simply tear off a warm piece to dunk in olive oil at dinner, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, familiar ingredients makes baking Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread a satisfying and approachable project. Each component brings a special something: from a sturdy texture to a burst of umami, all working together to support those iconic cheesy-herby notes.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb—the foundation of your loaf.
• Active dry yeast: The driving force behind a lofty rise and pillowy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle hint of sweetness to balance the savory herbs.
• Salt: Sharpens all the flavors and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
• Italian seasoning: The backbone of the bread’s character—think oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary all in one ready-made mix.
• Garlic powder: Brings the deep, mellow flavor of roasted garlic without any fuss.
• Warm water: The magic temperature activates the yeast but won’t kill it, so aim for slightly warm to the touch.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and infuses a subtle richness, helping the crust turn golden and flavorful.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the loaf its gooey, stretchy pockets of melted cheese.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, salty depth and a touch of sophistication.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Delivers a fresh green finish and a little color pop if you have it on hand.

How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Taking a moment to combine these dry ingredients evenly ensures your flavor and rise will be consistent throughout the whole loaf.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Form the Dough

Pour the warm water and olive oil directly into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough begins to take shape. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough—it’s all part of the process!

Step 3: Knead to Build Texture

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. This step is where magic happens: your dough will transform from shaggy and sticky to smooth and elastic, thanks to the gluten developing as you work it with your hands.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it somewhere warm for about an hour. Watch as it doubles in size, puffing up beautifully and getting ready for its cheesy add-ins.

Step 5: Shape and Embed the Cheese

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles, then fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley if you like a fresh green note. Make sure those delicious bits are well-distributed for cheesy goodness in every slice.

Step 6: Final Rise and Preheat

Shape the dough into a loaf and set it on a greased baking sheet or snug inside a loaf pan. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes as you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This final nap helps it bake up light and airy.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your bread into the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top turns golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped beneath. The irresistible smell will just about drive you wild! Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing—if you can wait that long.

How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Garnishes

Top your warm bread with a sprinkling of chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan for a dazzling finish. A light brush of olive oil as it comes out of the oven amps up both shine and aroma, making your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This loaf shines next to saucy pasta dishes, soups, or vibrant salads. Try pairing it with tomato basil soup, lasagna, or a big Italian chopped salad—the hearty flavor and cheesy richness make it a welcome companion to just about any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thinly to make gourmet sandwiches, or cut it into cubes for the fanciest croutons. For parties, serve chunks alongside a warm marinara dip or herbed olive oil. Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread also makes an amazing base for homemade bruschetta or savory bread pudding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays wonderfully fresh for up to 2-3 days, and a quick reheat brings back that straight-from-the-oven aroma.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and freeze individual pieces or the whole loaf in freezer bags. Double wrapping helps preserve that fresh taste and prevents any freezer burn, so every slice is as delicious as the first.

Reheating

Bring your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread back to life by reheating slices in a warm oven (about 325°F) for 5-10 minutes. For just a couple of pieces, a quick zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel works wonders to recreate that softness.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s intended for yeast breads. The texture might shift slightly, but you’ll still get herby, cheesy deliciousness in every bite.

What’s the best way to get a super-soft crumb?

Be careful not to add too much flour; keep your dough a bit tacky while kneading. The olive oil and cheeses also help keep things tender, so trust the process and monitor your dough for that perfect pillowy feel.

Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?

Definitely! Try swapping mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even a sharper cheese like asiago for a twist. Feel free to get creative—this bread plays nicely with almost any cheese you love.

How do I know when my bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. If you’re extra cautious, an internal temperature of 190°F also means it’s perfectly done and ready to cool.

Can I add extra mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or olives?

Yes! Just fold them in along with the cheeses after the first rise. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of savory add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives bring beautiful flavor and color to your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread.

Final Thoughts

Baking your own Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a rewarding way to bring bakery-level flavor to your kitchen with just a few pantry staples. There’s nothing quite like the sight (and smell!) of a golden loaf resting on your countertop, waiting to be devoured. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your bread-baking rotation!

Print