Description
A delightful homemade bread infused with Italian herbs and gooey cheeses, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, adding more flour if too sticky.
- Proof the Dough: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bread: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should be 200-210°F.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Notes
For variety, you can use fresh herbs or different cheese combinations. Ensure water is the right temperature to activate the yeast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: bread, Italian herbs, cheese bread, homemade bread, baking