There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling my kitchen. The moment the Italian herbs hit the warm dough and the cheese begins to melt and bubble in the oven, I know I’m about to pull something special out. This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread has become one of my go-to recipes—not only because it’s incredibly flavorful, but also because it reminds me of my early baking days, experimenting with simple ingredients to create comforting, homemade bread. I used to think that making bakery-quality bread at home was out of reach until I found the perfect balance of herbs, cheese, and a soft, golden crust.
I still remember the first time I served this bread during a casual weekend dinner. My guests couldn’t believe it was homemade. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m making a loaf for a family brunch or slicing it up for a sandwich, this recipe never fails to impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is everything homemade bread should be—soft on the inside, golden and crusty on the outside, and filled with irresistible savory flavors. You’ll love the way the dried herbs blend beautifully with the cheese, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s not only comforting and delicious but also far healthier and more affordable than anything you’d find at the bakery.
Another reason I keep coming back to this bread is how foolproof it is. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull it off. The dough comes together easily, and with a little resting and baking time, you’ll be enjoying fresh bread in no time.
Versatile
What I especially love about this bread is its versatility. Serve it warm with butter, use it for sandwiches, or slice it alongside soup or pasta. It’s the perfect base for creative variations too—think sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a swirl of garlic butter. You can shape it into a loaf, make it into rolls, or even flatten it for a focaccia-style bread.
Affordable
With just a handful of pantry staples and no need for fancy tools, this recipe proves that good food doesn’t have to be expensive. The ingredients are simple, accessible, and budget-friendly, making it a great option for anyone looking to bake at home without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary)
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1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
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1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
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1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread at home is a truly rewarding process. From mixing the dough to watching it rise, and finally pulling it out of the oven golden brown and fragrant—each step brings its own joy. This recipe is designed to be easy, even if you’re new to baking. The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the results are outstanding.
The key is to allow the dough enough time to rise properly, and not to skimp on the herbs and cheese. That’s where the flavor lives. Once the dough is rolled out and filled with cheese and herbs, it’s shaped, allowed to rise again, and baked to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready.
Step 2: Mix the dough
To the yeast mixture, add the olive oil, salt, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer.
Step 4: First rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the dough
Punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the surface.
Step 6: Roll and shape
Roll the dough tightly into a log, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends underneath. Place the shaped loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
Step 7: Second rise
Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
Step 8: Preheat the oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9: Bake the bread
Brush the top of the dough with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool and serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the structure set and makes slicing easier.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is surprisingly quick considering it’s yeast-based. The rising time is just enough to let the dough develop flavor, while the actual hands-on prep is under 30 minutes. You don’t need special equipment, just a bowl, spoon, and a baking sheet or loaf pan.
Customizable
Feel free to make this recipe your own. Try adding chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even finely chopped green onions for extra flavor. For a spicier version, mix in a pinch of red chili flakes. You can also vary the cheese—cheddar gives it sharpness, mozzarella melts beautifully, and a little Parmesan adds richness.
For a more rustic texture, you can replace one cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer rolls over a loaf, divide the dough into equal pieces, fill, shape into rolls, and reduce the baking time to about 15–18 minutes.
Popular with Many People
This bread has always been a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home. The aroma alone makes it hard to resist. I’ve served it at family dinners, taken it to parties, and even given loaves as gifts—it never fails to get compliments.
PrintDelicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe – Easy to Make at Home!
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is the perfect homemade alternative to bakery-style loaves. It’s soft inside, golden on the outside, and filled with rich flavor from herbs and melted cheese. Whether served alongside a meal or enjoyed on its own, this bread adds warmth and taste to any table. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare using basic ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil, salt, Italian herbs, and garlic powder if using. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough. Roll it into a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the surface.
- Roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal. Tuck in the ends.
- Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
If desired, you may add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
Avoid overfilling with cheese to prevent leaking during baking.
For smaller portions, divide dough into rolls and reduce baking time.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely. This recipe is very beginner-friendly and can be made entirely by hand. Just mix the dough in a large bowl and knead it on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. It might take a bit of effort, but the results will be just as satisfying.
What type of cheese works best for this bread?
You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both. For extra flavor, try mixing in a bit of Parmesan. The cheese should be shredded to distribute evenly and melt beautifully inside the bread. Avoid using fresh mozzarella as it may release too much moisture during baking.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, this bread freezes very well. Once baked and fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm it slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is ready when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped underneath. You can also use a kitchen thermometer—bread is typically fully baked when the internal temperature reaches around 190°F (88°C).
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute dried Italian herbs with fresh ones. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Chop them finely before mixing into the dough to ensure even distribution and flavor.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can shape the dough into a freeform loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It may spread a bit more, but it will still rise and bake beautifully with a rustic appearance.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
Yes, this bread is excellent for sandwiches. The soft interior and savory herb-and-cheese flavor make it a delicious choice for grilled cheese, turkey, or vegetable sandwiches. Toasting brings out even more flavor.