Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C); 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

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Introduction

A golden, cheesy loaf infused with fragrant Italian herbs, this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is soft on the inside with a crisp crust. It’s perfect alongside pasta, soups, or dipped in olive oil for a comforting homemade treat.

The image shows a white plate with several slices of garlic bread arranged in a slightly overlapping row. Each slice has a golden-brown crust with a crunchy texture, dotted with sesame seeds and herbs. The inside layers are soft and fluffy, filled with melted white cheese and small bits of chopped green parsley spread evenly across the surface. The bread’s texture appears moist and gooey from the cheese and garlic mixture between the crust edges. The plate sits on a white marbled textured background with a blurred loaf of bread in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar together. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and gently knead in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Sprinkle with fresh parsley while warm. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Swap out mozzarella for cheddar, fontina, or gouda to change the cheese flavor.
Add roasted garlic cloves to the dough for extra garlicky goodness.
Try a Mediterranean twist by mixing in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
Shape the dough into smaller rolls instead of one loaf for individual servings.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through for the best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with several thick slices of garlic bread arranged loosely in a row. Each slice has a crispy, golden brown crust dotted with sesame seeds. The bread's interior is soft and white, covered with melted white cheese mixed with finely chopped green herbs evenly spread on the top surface. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, and in the background, there is a blurred loaf of the same bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast by adding it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing. Just reduce the warm water slightly as per the yeast package instructions.

Can I omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative?

You can omit the cheese for a simpler herb bread or use dairy-free cheese substitutes to accommodate dietary needs, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.