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Golden Italian herb and cheese bread loaf topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan, sliced to show its soft, fluffy inside.
SavorAndSpice

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread - Soft, Fluffy & Easy Recipe

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is soft, fluffy, and loaded with aromatic herbs and melted cheese. Perfect as a side dish for soups, pastas, chicken dishes, or just enjoyed on its own, this cheese bread recipe is beginner-friendly and can even be made in a quick 3-ingredient version. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian bakery.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
rising time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese & Herb Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mixed dried herb

Equipment

  • 1 oven
  • 1 Baking dish
  • 2 bowls
  • measuring cups

Method
 

Activate the yeast
  1. Pour the warm water into a bowl and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the surface becomes foamy.
Bring the dough together
  1. Add the flour, salt, olive oil, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. Mix until the dough starts pulling away from the sides and forms a rough, shaggy ball.
Knead until smooth
  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a soft, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed. This step builds the structure that makes the bread fluffy and airy.
Let the dough rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape and add the toppings
  1. Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a rectangle or oval loaf. Brush the top with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and herbs, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the surface.
Final rise and bake
  1. Let the shaped loaf rest for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing so the texture stays soft.

Notes

  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
  • Warm water should be warm, not hot, to keep yeast alive.
  • Add extra herbs or garlic for a stronger flavor.
  • Let the bread cool 10 minutes before slicing for the best texture.