Delicious 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
Scale
- 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.