Italian Herbs and Cheese Stuffed Bread Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the comforting aroma and rich flavors of this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread. Soft, aromatic, and loaded with cheese, it’s perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite pasta dishes.

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

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding the remaining flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle, spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Serve warm for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for a fresh herb flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different cheesy twist.
• For extra flavor, brush the finished loaf with melted garlic butter before baking.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but reduce the rising time slightly as it activates faster. Mix it directly with the flour instead of proofing in water.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, though fresh parsley adds brighter flavor and color. Use about one-third the amount of dried parsley in place of fresh.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Stuffed Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe is a flavorful and aromatic loaf featuring a blend of Italian herbs, garlic butter, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Soft on the inside with a golden crust, it’s perfect for serving warm as a side or snack.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Dough

• 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

Herb Butter and Toppings

• 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

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling the yeast is active.
2. Make Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, gradually incorporating the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herbs to create a flavorful herb butter spread.
6. Shape and Fill Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley evenly on top.
7. Roll and Second Rise: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing. This bread is best enjoyed warm to fully appreciate the melted cheese and herbed flavors.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading the dough well is essential for developing gluten, which results in a soft, elastic bread.
• The herb butter can be customized by adding other herbs like rosemary or thyme based on preference.
• For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
• Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, garlic butter bread, homemade bread, savory bread, mozzarella bread