Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a cozy, flavorful loaf combining fragrant dried herbs with melty mozzarella and parmesan in soft bread. Perfect as a side for pasta, for sandwiches, or enjoyed warm with olive oil.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (or mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let rest about 5 minutes until yeast bubbles and becomes frothy. Stir in olive oil, 3 cups flour, and salt until it forms a rough dough.
  2. Knead the dough: Lightly flour your countertop and turn dough out onto it. Knead for 6-8 minutes, adding remaining flour bit by bit as needed, until dough is smooth, stretchy, and bounces back when poked.
  3. First rise: Coat large bowl with oil, place dough inside, cover with damp towel. Let rise in a warm spot about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare filling: While dough is rising, mix softened butter, minced garlic, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) in small bowl.
  5. Shape and fill: Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread herb butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh parsley over top.
  6. Form the loaf: Starting at long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch seam to seal. Place loaf seam-side down into greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  7. Second rise: Cover pan and let dough rise 30-45 minutes until it puffs up and almost fills pan.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Tent with foil last 10 minutes if crust browns too fast.
  9. Cool bread for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For richer flavor, warm dried herbs in softened butter for about a minute before spreading on dough to amplify aroma., Feel free to experiment with Mediterranean twist by adding ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives into the filling., Letting the dough properly rise is essential for texture and flavor., Using room temperature cheese helps it melt evenly throughout the loaf., Brush top with egg wash before baking for glossy crust if desired., Cool bread before slicing to prevent gummy texture.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210 kcal per slice
  • Fat: 9g per slice
  • Carbohydrates: 26g per slice
  • Protein: 7g per slice