Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic Italian herbs and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Soft on the inside with a golden, crusty exterior, it’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and yeast with warm water. Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and Italian herbs thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir together until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, helping develop gluten for structure.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Incorporate cheese: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until evenly distributed.
- Shape and second rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes for a light, airy texture.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing to retain moisture and improve texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can customize the herb blend according to your preference for a different flavor profile.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to generate steam.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy thawing and toasting.
