Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of Italian herbs and cheese bread baking in your oven. This homemade treat combines fragrant herbs, gooey cheese, and soft bread to create a sensory experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a smear of butter, this bread brings a touch of rustic Italian charm to your table. The beautiful swirls of herbs and pockets of melted cheese make this not just delicious but also visually impressive enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Adore This Bread

Italian herbs and cheese bread is a game-changer for home cooks. First, its robust flavor—think oregano, thyme, and melted cheese—pairs with any dish. Second, it’s beginner-friendly, requiring no fancy equipment. Third, it’s versatile; serve it with soups, salads, or as a sandwich base. Finally, it’s budget-friendly, using pantry staples. In just over an hour, you’ll have a warm loaf that looks and tastes like it came from an artisan bakery. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your taste buds will thank you!

Fascinating Facts About This Cheesy Loaf

Italian herbs and cheese bread draws from Italy’s love for bold, rustic flavors.

• Fact one: Italians have baked herb-infused breads for centuries, often using local herbs like rosemary.
• Fact two: cheese, like mozzarella, became a popular addition in modern recipes for extra richness.
• Fact three: this bread style gained fame in American delis, where it’s a sandwich staple.
• Fact four: herbs like thyme and oregano aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with antioxidants.

This loaf blends tradition with crowd-pleasing comfort, making it a global favorite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Herb and Cheese Filling:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (or mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Steps

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until you have a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked.
3. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
5. Shape and fill: Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the herb butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle with both cheeses and fresh parsley.
6. Create the loaf: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Place the loaf, seam side down, in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Second rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy and almost reaching the top of the pan.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes if it’s browning too quickly.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Tips and Twists

Helpful Tips:

1. For the best flavor, bloom your dried herbs by warming them in the butter for a minute before spreading.
2. Don’t rush the rising time—proper proofing develops both texture and flavor.
3. Use room temperature cheese for easier melting and incorporation into the bread.
4. If you prefer a shinier crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking.
5. Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Tasty Variations:

1. Mediterranean twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the filling.
2. Pesto lover’s version: Replace the herb butter with 3 tablespoons of pesto for an intense basil flavor.
3. Spicy upgrade: Double the red pepper flakes and add sliced jalapeños to the filling for a bread with kick.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage keeps your Italian herbs and cheese bread tasting fresh for days. Here’s how to make the most of your delicious creation:

Storage:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven method: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Toaster: Slice and toast individual pieces for a crispy exterior.
• Microwave: 15-20 seconds per slice (though this may slightly change the texture).

Make-Ahead:

• Prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight.
• Mix the herb butter up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
• Fully bake, cool completely, then freeze; thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Italian herbs and cheese bread with these perfect pairings:

1. Classic Italian meal companion: Serve warm slices alongside lasagna, spaghetti, or any tomato-based pasta dish to soak up that delicious sauce.
2. Upscale sandwich base: Use thick slices to create gourmet sandwiches with Italian meats like prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
3. Simple appetizer: Cut into cubes and serve with a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil sprinkled with cracked black pepper and grated parmesan.
4. Soup sidekick: Pair with minestrone, tomato bisque, or Italian wedding soup for a comforting meal.
5. Breakfast twist: Toast slices and top with scrambled eggs and fresh herbs for an elevated breakfast.

FAQ About Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? A: Absolutely! Use 3-4 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Finely chop them and gently pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Q: My bread didn’t rise well. What went wrong? A: Your yeast might have been old or the environment too cold. Always check your yeast’s expiration date and ensure your rising area is warm (75-85°F).

Q: Can I make this bread without a loaf pan? A: Yes! Shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet, or make dinner rolls by cutting the rolled log into 1-2 inch slices and placing them in a greased baking dish.

Q: How can I tell when my bread is fully baked? A: The bread should be golden brown with an internal temperature of around 190-200°F. It should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Q: Can I use different cheeses? A: Definitely! Provolone, fontina, asiago, or even cheddar work wonderfully. Just make sure they melt well and complement the herbs.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread: A Homemade Treasure

Creating your own Italian herbs and cheese bread is truly a rewarding experience. The process of mixing, kneading, and shaping the dough becomes almost meditative, and the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is worth the effort alone. You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again, perhaps developing your own signature version by adjusting the herbs and cheeses to your preference. Whether you’re new to bread baking or an experienced baker, this versatile loaf proves that homemade always tastes better than store-bought. Share it with friends and family, and watch how quickly it disappears!

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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

This Italian herbs and cheese bread combines aromatic herbs with gooey melted cheese in a soft, golden loaf that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Perfect for pasta night, sandwiches, or enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil, this fragrant bread will make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery!

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword cheese bread recipe, easy Italian bread, homemade herb bread, Italian herbs and cheese bread, Mediterranean bread

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 1 loaf (12 slices)

Calories 210kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water 110°F
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter softened
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed.
• Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
• Meanwhile, mix softened butter with garlic and dried herbs.
• Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle, spread with herb butter, and sprinkle with cheeses and parsley.
• Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let rise another 30-45 minutes.
• Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. This Italian herbs and cheese bread is best served warm!

Notes

For extra flavor in your Italian herbs and cheese bread, bloom the dried herbs by warming them in the butter for 1 minute before spreading. Try a Mediterranean variation by adding ¼ cup each of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the filling.

Nutrition:
Calories: 210 per slice
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 320mg
Fiber: 1g

Explore More Recipes on Our Blog

If you enjoyed this Italian herbs and cheese bread, you’ll love exploring these other delicious recipes that complement it perfectly:

Try our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi for a complete Italian-inspired meal that pairs wonderfully with this bread.

For another Mediterranean favorite, our Simple Avocado Toast with Egg Recipe could be elevated by using a slice of this herbed bread as the base.

Complete your Italian feast with our Marry Me Chicken Pasta, which shares many of the same herb flavors you’ll find in this bread.

And if you’re looking for a side dish to round out your meal, our Roasted Broccoli and Carrots recipe offers the perfect vegetable complement to the rich flavors of the bread.