Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm water or milk (110°F); 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar or honey; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary); 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (parsley, chives) (optional); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese; 1 beaten egg or additional olive oil (for brushing)

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I bring you a warm, flavorful Italian Herb and Cheese Bread—soft on the inside, golden-crisp on the outside, and bursting with aromatic herbs and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this bread pairs a fragrant blend of Italian herbs with rich, melty cheese. It’s comforting yet elegant, easy to make, and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether serving guests or treating myself, it feels both special and easy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water or milk
Olive oil or melted butter
Salt
Sugar or honey (for yeast activation)
Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
Optional fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, chives)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese

directions

I activate the yeast by combining warm water (or milk) with a bit of sugar or honey and yeast, letting it sit until foamy.
I mix flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and optional fresh herbs in a bowl.
I pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter), stirring until a rough dough forms.
I knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
I shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
I punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle.
I sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the surface, then roll or fold the dough to incorporate the cheese.
I shape the filled dough into a loaf or braid and place it into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet.
I cover and allow it to rise a second time, about 30 minutes.
I brush the top with olive oil or beaten egg, then bake until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
I let the bread cool slightly before slicing to show its cheesy, herby interior.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 1 loaf, about 10–12 slices
Timing:
- Prep & kneading: 20 minutes
- First rise: 1 hour
- Shaping & second rise: 30 minutes
- Bake: 25–30 minutes
- Total: around 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

I add roasted garlic or shallots for a deeper savory flavor.
I swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for a brighter herb note.
I roll the dough around strips of pepperoni or prosciutto for a meaty twist.
I use a mixture of cheeses like Fontina, Gouda, or smoked provolone for a richer taste.

storage/reheating

I store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To refresh crisp crust and melty cheese, I warm slices in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes.
I freeze the cooled loaf whole or sliced for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes—I substitute an equal amount of instant yeast directly into the flour without proofing; the rise times remain similar.

How do I make sure the cheese stays inside?

I press the cheese into the dough gently before rolling and seal edges well to avoid leaks during baking.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

I use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum if needed—the texture is slightly denser but still delicious.

Can I add more cheese on top?

Absolutely—I sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier crust.

How do I keep the bread moist overnight?

I store it in a sealed bag or wrapped tightly to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

I find Italian Herb and Cheese Bread to be a show-stopping loaf that’s still simple to bake. It combines comforting homemade bread with rich cheese and fragrant herbs—perfect for serving alongside a simple meal or enjoying on its own. Whether fresh from the oven or reheated later, it never fails to delight.