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Freshly baked Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with herbs and cheese topping.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

This simple loaf mixes soft dough with fresh herbs and gooey cheese, making it a perfect companion for family meals, parties, or soups and salads.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3.5 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast, about 2 1/4 tsp Use warm water to activate.
  • 1 cup warm water, about 105 to 115 F Do not use hot water.
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs, or 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil, oregano, rosemary mix Fresh herbs give the best flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella, plus extra for top

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Wait 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and herbs. Add the yeast mix and olive oil.
  3. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add the shredded cheese and fold it in.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 6 to 8 minutes until smooth.
  5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place 1 hour, until doubled.
  6. Punch the dough down. Shape it into a loaf or oval. Place on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
  7. Cover and let rise 30 to 40 minutes until puffed.
  8. Preheat oven to 375 F. Brush top with a little olive oil and sprinkle extra cheese and herbs.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and the crust sounds hollow when tapped.
  2. Cool on a rack 10 minutes before slicing, serve warm.

Notes

Let the bread cool a bit; it slices cleaner when it rests. If the dough is sticky, add flour, one tablespoon at a time. Do not overbake, check at 25 minutes and cover with foil if top browns too fast.