This Italian herbs and cheese bread is one of those cozy bakes we love to pull warm from the oven as a team. A soft, golden loaf packed with herbs and melty cheese, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This homemade Italian herbs and cheese bread is filled with the rich flavors of aromatic herbs and gooey cheese. Perfectly baked with a crispy crust, it is a delightful addition to any meal or a tasty snack on its own. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this herbs and cheese bread is versatile enough to enjoy warm or at room temperature.
What makes this herbs and cheese bread so good is the cheese kneaded right in. Mozzarella and parmesan melt through the soft, herb flecked crumb.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this italian herbs and cheese bread comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Soft and cheesy. Melty mozzarella and parmesan throughout.
- Aromatic herbs. Basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Crispy golden crust. A beautiful, bakery style finish.
- Simple ingredients. Pantry staples you likely have.
- Versatile. Great warm, with soup, or for sandwiches.
What Makes This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread So Good
Gooey mozzarella, the soft melting Italian cheese, kneaded into the dough gives every slice pockets of melty cheese.
Sharp parmesan adds savory depth. Grated parmesan in the dough brings a nutty, salty richness.
Italian herbs make it aromatic. A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary fills it with classic flavor.
A blend of dried Italian herbs, including oregano, the warm, peppery Mediterranean herb, gives this loaf its unmistakable aroma.
Optional Pro Tip: Steam for Crust
Add a pan of water. The steam helps create a crispy, golden crust.
Tap to test. A hollow sound means the loaf is baked through.
Tips for the Best Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
- Use warm water. About 110 F to activate the yeast.
- Wait for frothy yeast. It confirms the yeast is alive.
- Knead until smooth. Eight to ten minutes builds the texture.
- Add flour gradually. Only enough so the dough is not too sticky.
- Let it rise fully. Until doubled, for a light loaf.
- Add steam. A pan of water gives a crispy crust.
- Tap to test doneness. It should sound hollow.
- Cool before slicing. So the crumb sets properly.
Variations and Add Ins
This Italian herbs and cheese bread is easy to customize.
- Top with cheese. Sprinkle extra on top before baking.
- Add garlic. Garlic powder or roasted garlic in the dough.
- Use cheddar. For a sharper, bolder flavor.
- Make rolls. Shape into individual rolls instead of a loaf.
- Add red pepper flakes. For a little heat.
- Use fresh herbs. In place of dried, using a bit more.
- Brush with garlic butter. After baking for extra flavor.
- Add sun dried tomatoes. For a sweet, tangy bite.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the herbs and cheese bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days. It is wonderful fresh, but keeps well for sandwiches and snacking.
To refresh it, warm slices in a 350 F oven for a few minutes to crisp the crust. The bread also freezes well for up to three months, thawed and rewarmed in the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
This Italian herbs and cheese bread is wonderful warm, perfect alongside soups, salads, and pasta, or for mopping up sauces and olive oil.
It makes excellent sandwiches and paninis, and is delicious simply sliced and buttered, or with a dish of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. It also shines on a bread basket.
For serving, slice the loaf while it is still slightly warm, when the cheese is at its meltiest, and offer it with butter or good olive oil alongside.
- With soup or salad. A perfect side.
- As a sandwich. Great for paninis.
- With pasta. For mopping up sauce.
- With olive oil. For dipping.
It is wonderful served alongside a hearty main like our high protein creamy beef pasta, a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian herbs and cheese bread?
It is a soft homemade yeast loaf with mozzarella, parmesan, and a blend of dried Italian herbs kneaded into the dough, baked with a crispy golden crust. It is similar to the popular deli sandwich bread.
Can I use all purpose or bread flour?
All purpose flour works well, and bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture. Either produces a delicious loaf.
Why is my dough not rising?
The yeast may not have activated. Use warm water around 110 F, wait for the yeast mixture to turn frothy, and make sure your yeast is fresh.
How do I get a crispy crust?
Place a shallow pan of water in the oven to create steam while baking, and bake until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and parmesan adds savory depth. You can also use cheddar or an Italian cheese blend for a different flavor.
Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes. Shape the dough into individual rolls instead of a loaf, and reduce the baking time, checking for a golden, hollow sounding result.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes. Use fresh herbs in place of dried, increasing the amount since fresh herbs are milder than dried ones.
How do I know when it is done?
The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 200 to 210 F confirms it is baked through.
How do I store and reheat it?
Keep it in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days, and warm slices in a 350 F oven to crisp the crust.
What should I serve with it?
It is perfect with soups, salads, and pasta, makes excellent sandwiches, and is delicious with butter or olive oil for dipping.
Bakery Bread at Home
This Italian herbs and cheese bread bakes a soft, golden loaf packed with melty mozzarella, sharp parmesan, and aromatic Italian herbs, all wrapped in a crispy crust. It fills the kitchen with the irresistible smell of fresh, cheesy bread.
Easy to make and versatile for soups, sandwiches, or snacking, it is sure to impress. Once you bake this herbs and cheese bread, it will become a regular in your kitchen.
Craving an Italian inspired main to serve it with? Our chicken piccata is a great one to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and parmesan to the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little more flour if it is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air, shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan, cover again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450 F and place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped, with an internal temperature of 200 to 210 F.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
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