Ultimate Italian Herb Cheese Bread

This Italian herb cheese bread is the perfect blend of fluffy texture and cheesy goodness, infused with aromatic herbs that make every bite a delight. It’s an easy homemade bread recipe that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or just as a snack on its own.

I remember making this bread for a family gathering and watching everyone’s eyes light up at the first warm slice. It quickly became a staple in our home when we crave freshly baked bread with a cheesy twist.

Ingredients

• Three cups allpurpose flour: provides structure and a tender crumb look for unbleached for the best texture
• One packet of active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): yeast is key to a good rise check the expiration date for freshness
• One teaspoon sugar: feeds the yeast to help it activate
• One teaspoon salt: essential for balancing flavors
• One cup warm water about 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43 degrees Celsius: the perfect temperature to activate yeast without killing it
• Two tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing: adds moisture and flavor to the dough
• One teaspoon dried oregano: brings classic Italian herb flavor
• One teaspoon dried basil: adds freshness and depth
• Half teaspoon garlic powder: enhances savory notes without overpowering
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for gooey texture
• Half cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements mozzarella

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl combine the warm water sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about five to ten minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows your yeast is active and ready for baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk together the flour salt oregano basil and garlic powder until evenly combined. This builds a flavorful foundation for your bread.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir gently until the dough starts to come together but remains slightly sticky.

Knead the Dough:

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about eight to ten minutes until it is smooth elastic and pulls away from your hands cleanly. Kneading develops gluten which gives the bread its structure.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm spot for about one hour or until doubled in size. This is where your dough gets airy and light.

Incorporate the Cheese:

After the dough has risen punch it down gently to release air. Fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly throughout the dough.

Shape the Loaf:

Roll the dough into your desired loaf shape and place it on a lined or greased baking sheet so it bakes evenly.

Second Rise:

Cover your shaped loaf with a cloth and allow it to rise a second time for thirty to forty five minutes. This final rise helps your bread become nice and fluffy.

Preheat Your Oven:

Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it is hot and ready for baking.

Bake the Bread:

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy:

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the crumb set nicely.

I love the mix of mozzarella and Parmesan in this bread because it creates a perfect balance between creamy and sharp flavors. One memorable moment was when I brought this bread to a potluck and everyone kept asking for the recipe because they loved how it paired with simple tomato soup.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic or foil at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust soft. For longer storage place the bread in an airtight container or bag in the freezer for up to three months. To refresh frozen bread let it thaw at room temperature then warm it in the oven to recreate that freshbaked texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have mozzarella try fontina or provolone for a similar melt. Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino Romano for a sharper tang. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be swapped in instead of oregano and basil for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is a fantastic companion to salads especially Caesar or Caprese salad because of the cheese and herb flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil. You can slice it thin and toast it for crostini topped with olive tapenade or fresh tomato bruschetta.

With simple pantry ingredients this Italian herb cheese bread is a crowd pleaser. Serve it warm with soup or salad for the best experience.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What herbs are used in this bread?

Oregano, basil, and garlic powder are combined to infuse the dough with classic Italian flavors.

→ Which cheeses are included in the bread?

Mozzarella cheese adds softness while Parmesan cheese gives a rich, savory depth.

→ How long should the dough rise?

The dough rises twice: first for about 1 hour until doubled, then a second rise for 30-45 minutes after shaping.

→ What temperature is used for baking?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the bread develops a golden-brown crust.

→ Can olive oil be substituted?

Olive oil enhances flavor and texture, but a mild vegetable oil can be used as a substitute if needed.