Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
A warm, savory delight infused with Italian herbs and bubbling cheese, perfect as a snack or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add olive oil, salt, flour, oregano, basil, and thyme to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and knead in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rest for another 15 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped fresh herbs. Let the bread cool completely before storing. Pair this bread with marinara sauce for dipping.