Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary); 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Extra flour for dusting

Jump to Recipe·5 from 11 reviews

There’s nothing quite like pulling a loaf of homemade Italian herbs and cheese bread out of the oven, especially when every slice bursts with garlicky herbs and melty cheese. This Delicious Recipe brings the warmth and comfort of classic Italian flavors to your table, all wrapped up in a perfectly crusty loaf. It’s a show-stopper as a side dish, the ultimate sandwich base, or a snack that doesn’t even need butter—just tear, share, and devour while it’s still warm!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short, simple ingredient list transforms into such a fragrant masterpiece. Every component here is essential: the herbs provide genuine Italian flair, two cheeses bring both flavor and gooeyness, and patience does the rest. Gather these pantry stars and let’s make some bread magic!

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your bread, creating a chewy yet tender crumb.
Active dry yeast: This is what gives the loaf its irresistible lift and slight tang, so make sure it’s fresh!
Warm water (about 110°F): It helps the yeast wake up and start the party—avoid scalding, just cozy bath temperature.
Salt: Absolutely crucial for bringing out the other flavors and balancing the cheese’s richness.
Sugar: A little sweetness helps activate the yeast and rounds out the savory notes.
Dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary): These deliver that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma—use your favorite blend or whatever you have!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty goodness that flecks every slice with creamy pockets of flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and a total game-changer for taste and crisp, golden edges.
Extra flour for dusting: Makes kneading less sticky and ensures your dough is easy to handle.

How to Make Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes, just until it looks creamy and frothy—think of it as proof that your yeast is alive and ready to work. Next, tumble in the flour, salt, dried herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir everything together until a shaggy, sticky dough comes together and all the ingredients are mingled.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface (extra flour is your friend here) and start kneading with the heels of your hands. Don’t rush! This step takes about 8-10 minutes; you’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic but not stiff. If things get a little sticky, just dust with more flour as you go.

Step 3: Proof the Dough

Place your well-kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it snugly with a kitchen towel, and let it take a cozy nap in a warm spot. This rise can take one to two hours, depending on your kitchen temp—look for it to double in size. This patience pays off with perfect texture!

Step 4: Shape the Bread

After the dough has plumped up, give it a gentle punch to knock out any large air bubbles. Shape it into a rustic loaf by hand or nestle it into a greased bread pan, then cover it again for a final 30-minute rest as it rises once more.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While your dough gets its final rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). For the crispiest crust, add a pan of water to the bottom of the oven—hello, homemade steam injection! This little trick creates that signature artisan bread finish.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place your dough in the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the loaf is a rich golden brown and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. If you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 200-210°F for a perfectly baked center. The cheesy edges should look golden and a little crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Transfer your golden masterpiece to a wire rack and do your best to let it cool slightly before slicing—this helps set the crumb and keeps those cheesy bits in place. Serve warm or let it reach room temp; either way, you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes

Take this bread over the top by brushing the warm crust with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs right before serving. If you love a touch of heat, try dusting with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a lively finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Delicious Recipe with classic Italian fare: it’s absolutely heavenly with a bowl of minestrone, a plate of pasta with marinara, or your favorite salad. Or use thick slices to make the world’s best open-faced sandwiches with grilled veggies and meats!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this bread into a showpiece by baking it in a braided loaf shape or mini rolls for sharing at gatherings. Serve alongside a trio of dipping oils—think garlic-infused olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of sea salt. Slice and toast leftovers for out-of-this-world croutons or crostini, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your Delicious Recipe in foil or an airtight container to keep it soft, storing at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, a quick stay in the fridge (wrapped tightly) will also help prevent the bread from spoiling.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream! Slice or leave it whole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, and it will taste just as fresh as the day you baked it.

Reheating

To bring your Delicious Recipe back to life, pop slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For an extra treat, brush with a touch more olive oil or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating—so irresistible!

Homemade Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Delight

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add a burst of color and flavor—just keep in mind you may need a bit more than dried since they’re less concentrated. Chop them finely and add about three times the amount listed for dried herbs.

What other cheeses work well in this Delicious Recipe?

Feel free to experiment! Asiago, provolone, or even sharp cheddar bring their own unique flavors and melt just as beautifully as mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix and match for your ultimate cheesy bread.

Can I make this bread without a bread pan?

Definitely! Simply shape the dough into a rustic round or oblong loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The baking time and texture will be just as delicious—plus, it looks delightfully artisan.

What’s the best way to ensure a crispy crust?

For a crusty exterior, keep that pan of water in your oven during baking—it creates steam, which makes the crust crisp and golden. Also, resist slicing until the bread has cooled a bit; this helps set the crust beautifully.

Is this Delicious Recipe suitable for sandwiches?

Oh, absolutely. The chewy interior and cheesy flavor make this bread a killer foundation for sandwiches, especially Italian-style subs or grilled veggie creations. Slice thick or thin and pile high with your favorites.

Final Thoughts

If you love the aroma of fresh-baked bread and crave cheesy herby flavor in every bite, this Delicious Recipe is calling your name. It’s both impressive and approachable, perfect for sharing with friends or making a weeknight meal feel special. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to bake it again and again!