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Italian Herb & Cheese Bread: Golden, Cheesy, Flavorful!

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This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf bursting with flavor, perfect for any meal. With its soft texture and aromatic herbs, it’s destined to become a staple in your home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups Italian cheese blend (freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano and shredded low-moisture mozzarella)
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram)
  • 3–4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Stir in the olive oil and minced fresh garlic into the activated yeast mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and dried Italian herb blend.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Lightly grease a clean large bowl with olive oil, place the dough in, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Once doubled, punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Flatten it into a rectangle and sprinkle 1.5 cups of cheese over it. Fold the dough over itself and knead gently for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and shape the dough into a log that fits snugly in the pan.
  9. Cover the loaf pan loosely and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it has risen significantly.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using an egg wash, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk.
  11. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese and a pinch of dried herbs on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F.
  12. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: For a different flavor, try mixing in other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, but use three times the amount.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/italian-herb-cheese-bread-golden-cheesy-flavorful/