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

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This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of robust Italian herbs and gooey melted cheese in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups Warm Water or Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Herb Blend
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 Egg (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (or milk) and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder.
  3. Once the yeast is foamy, add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
  5. Lightly oil a clean large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto your lightly floured surface. Flatten it slightly, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dough. Fold the dough over on itself a few times to evenly distribute the cheese.
  7. Gently shape the dough into a tight log that will fit comfortably into your loaf pan. Pinch the seam underneath to seal it.
  8. Lightly grease your loaf pan. Place the shaped dough seam-side down in the prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and return it to your warm spot for another 30-45 minutes, or until the loaf has nearly doubled in size.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using an egg wash, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water or milk. Gently brush the top of the risen loaf with the egg wash.
  10. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the bread reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
  11. Once baked, immediately remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: For best results, use freshly grated cheese and allow the dough to rise fully for optimal flavor and texture. You can customize your loaf by adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.

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