My kitchen smelled so incredible last Saturday that my neighbor actually knocked on the door to ask what I was baking. This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is what happens when you take a simple loaf and turn it into something that makes people stop in their tracks. The crust gets beautifully golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and fluffy with pockets of melted cheese throughout.
My husband pulled off a piece while it was still warm and just stood there with his eyes closed, savoring every bite. It's the kind of homemade bread with cheese that makes store-bought seem like a completely different food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread delivers bakery-quality results without any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. You get that gorgeous cheese pull, the aromatic blend of Italian herbs, and a texture that's absolutely perfect for dipping in olive oil or tearing apart with your hands. My sister tried making this for her book club and said everyone asked for the recipe before they even finished eating.
It's one of those delicious bread recipes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're serving it alongside pasta, soup, or just eating it straight from the oven with butter, this herb and cheese bread never disappoints.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
- Top Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- What to Serve With Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
- FAQs About Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- More BREAKFAST
What You'll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. No bread machine required for this one.
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian herb seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Optional Extras
Add some fresh chopped basil or oregano for even more herb flavor, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick if you like a little heat.
The full Italian herb and cheese bread instructions are right in the card below.
How to Make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
Mix the Dough
Combine your flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. My mom taught me that the dough should feel soft but not sticky - if it sticks to your hands, add just a tiny bit more flour.
Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. I like to put mine in the oven with just the light on - creates the perfect environment. This first rise is crucial for that light, airy texture.
Add the Filling
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and minced garlic evenly over the surface. This is where the magic happens. Roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, pinch the seams closed, and shape it into a round loaf.
Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning? Absolutely! Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs work too but use about three times as much since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Second Rise and Bake
Place your shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it loosely, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with a bit more Parmesan and herbs. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling through. The smell alone will drive you crazy. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting - I know it's hard to wait, but it helps the cheese set a bit.
Top Tip
The secret to getting that amazing cheese pull is using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Mozzarella gives you the stretch, while Parmesan adds that nutty, savory depth.
Also, don't skip brushing the top with butter before baking - it's what gives you that gorgeous golden crust and adds an extra layer of flavor.
My daughter insists on being the one who brushes on the butter now because she loves how shiny it makes the bread look.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour if you want a heartier texture. Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for different flavored cheese options. This recipe works great in bread maker recipes too if you prefer that method - just follow your machine's instructions for dough, then shape and bake as directed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store this Italian herb and cheese bread wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy crust. You can also freeze the baked loaf for up to 3 months - just thaw overnight and warm before serving. This is one of those easy bread recipes that's perfect for same day bread when you need fresh baked goods fast.
What to Serve With Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
This Italian herb and cheese bread is incredible alongside any Italian meal - pasta with marinara, minestrone soup, or a big Caesar salad. My family loves it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It also makes amazing sandwiches or garlic bread for your next gathering.
FAQs About Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
How do I know when the bread is done?
The internal temperature should be around 190°F, and the bottom should sound hollow when you tap it. The top will be deeply golden brown.
Can I add different cheeses?
Definitely! Try adding some cheddar, Asiago, or even some cream cheese for extra richness. Just keep the total cheese amount similar.
Why didn't my bread rise properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and your water is warm but not hot - around 110°F is perfect. Too hot kills the yeast, too cold and it won't activate.
Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Yes! This is completely doable by hand. The kneading takes a bit more arm work but it's very manageable and actually quite therapeutic.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into savory breads and homemade bread recipes easy enough for any day, you'll want to explore more artisan bread recipes on my site. I've got plenty of fun bread recipes and flavored bread recipes that use simple techniques. My collection of cheese bread recipe ideas will keep your bread basket interesting all year long. And if you love this for Breakfast ideas, you'll find tons of other morning favorites that pair perfectly with your coffee.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Related
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Pairing
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