Italian Herb and Cheese Bread: A Golden, Cheesy Loaf Bursting with Flavor

If you’re looking for a bread recipe that’s both rustic and irresistibly cheesy, this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a must-bake. Imagine pulling a warm loaf from the oven, the crust golden and crisp, the inside soft and stretchy with mozzarella and Parmesan. The Italian herbs bring it all together with a flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, or even enjoyed on its own with a little olive oil dip.🍞

This bread is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually very approachable. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll love how simple and rewarding it is to create a loaf that looks bakery-quality but tastes even better homemade.

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

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar together. Add yeast and let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Form dough: Add yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry mix. Stir until dough forms.
4. Knead: Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
6. Add cheese: Punch down dough, gently knead in mozzarella and Parmesan until evenly spread.
7. Shape loaf: Form dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and rise 30 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush top with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley while warm.
10. Serve: Slice and enjoy warm with pasta, soup, or olive oil dip.

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, fontina, or gouda instead of mozzarella.
• Extra Garlic: Mix roasted garlic cloves into the dough.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
• Dinner Rolls: Shape into smaller rolls instead of one loaf.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

A golden, cheesy loaf infused with Italian herbs. This homemade Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is soft inside, crisp outside, and perfect with pasta, soups, or a simple olive oil dip.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1 1/2 cups warm water 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

Equipment

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer or hands for kneading
• Oven

Method

 

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

Storage Tips

• Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Fridge: Stays fresh for 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.

Serving Ideas

This bread pairs perfectly with:

• Spaghetti or lasagna 🍝
• Creamy tomato soup 🍲
• A simple olive oil + balsamic dip 🫒
• Cheese boards or antipasto platters 🧀

💭 Final Thoughts

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your table feel complete. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with herby flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or slicing it for a holiday gathering, it’s a loaf that always disappears fast.