How long does it take to prepare and bake Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread?

The total time to prepare and bake this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is about 1 hour and 35 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for prep, an hour for the first rise, 30 minutes for the second rise, and then 25 minutes for baking.

Can I use different types of cheese in this bread?

Yes, you can absolutely use different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar instead of Parmesan. Each type of cheese will give the bread a unique flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread freezes well. Simply wrap the cooled loaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat for the best texture.

What can I pair this bread with?

This bread pairs beautifully with soups and salads, particularly creamy or robust flavors. It’s a great accompaniment to a nice salad or homemade soup!

How do I know when my bread is fully baked?

You can tell when your bread is fully baked by tapping the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Additionally, the top should be a lovely golden brown.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread: 5 Easy Steps

Ingredients

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3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Activate the yeast by combining warm water and active dry yeast in a bowl; let sit until frothy (5–10 minutes).
In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and Italian seasoning until combined.
Add olive oil to the yeast mixture, then combine it with the dry ingredients to form a sticky dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl and cover to rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Once risen, punch down the dough and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Shape the dough into a loaf, place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Notes

Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes for unique flavor variations.

Author: Vivian Brooks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 5mg