Ultimate Italian Herbs And Cheese Bread – Flavorful & Cheesy Loaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 12 slices | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Imagine pulling a golden loaf out of the oven, crust crisp, inside soft and filled with melted cheese, fragrant herbs, and garlic. This Italian herbs and cheese bread recipe makes that happen. Using pantry staples like all-purpose flour, garlic, oregano, thyme, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, you get a rich flavor that complements pasta, soups, or salads. If you’ve struggled with bland bread or bland sandwich bases, this recipe solves that by adding bold herby taste and gooey cheesy pockets. It’s perfect for family meals, gatherings, or as a cozy treat.

Ingredients & Substitutions fro Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Dough Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour – for sturdy yet tender loaf
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) – for reliable rise
• 1 tablespoon sugar – feeds yeast and enhances browning
• 1½ teaspoons salt – balances flavors
• 1 cup warm water (110°F) – ideal for yeast activation
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and crust texture

Herb & Cheese Filling

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened – spreads easily
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – for bold garlic flavor
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (or mix basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme) – aromatic herbs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – gooey melter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds nutty sharpness
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – freshness and color
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – for a kick

Substitutions & Variations

• Fresh herbs can replace dried: use about three times more fresh than dried; chop and pat dry to avoid soggy filling
• Different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago work well for variety
• Add ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or jalapeños for a twist
• For gluten-free version, use GF flour blend and adjust liquid accordingly

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

A golden loaf of herb infused cheese bread with garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan and Italian herbs. Perfect alongside soups, sandwiches or pasta meals.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 12 slices

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan 9×5 inch
• Rolling pin or hands to roll dough
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour splitting some for kneading
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast one standard packet
• 1 tbsp sugar helps yeast and browning
• 1½ tsp salt for flavor and structure
• 1 cup warm water 110°F, activates yeast
• 3 tbsp olive oil richness and crust texture

Herb & Cheese Filling

• 4 tbsp butter, softened spreads easily
• 3 cloves garlic, minced strong garlic flavor
• 1½ tbsp dried Italian herb blend or mixed basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese gooey melting cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese nutty sharpness
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional) for a little heat

Instructions

 

• Combine warm water, sugar and yeast in bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
• Add olive oil, 3 cups flour and salt. Mix until dough is shaggy.
• Knead on floured surface 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed.
• Place dough in oiled bowl. Cover and let rise about 1 hour until doubled.
• Mix softened butter with garlic, dried herbs and red pepper flakes if using.
• Roll dough into 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread herb butter. Sprinkle cheeses and parsley.
• Roll tightly from long side, pinch seam and place loaf seam-side down in greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
• Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until loaf puffy.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Use foil if browning too fast.
• Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy texture.

Notes

Bloom dried herbs in butter first for stronger flavor. Variations include Mediterranean style with olives or sun dried tomatoes. Store at room temperature 2 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, freeze wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or toast slices for crispness.

Keyword garlic herb bread, herb cheese bread recipe, italian herbs and cheese bread

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast & Mix Dough (5 minutes): In a large bowl combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and salt; mix until you have a shaggy dough.
2. Knead Dough (6-8 minutes): Turn dough onto floured surface. Knead, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
3. First Rise (≈ 1 hour): Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with cloth. Let rise in warm place until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Filling While Rising (2 minutes): Mix softened butter with garlic, dried herbs, (and red pepper flakes if using).
5. Shape & Fill (5 minutes): Punch down dough. Roll into a roughly 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread herb butter mixture evenly. Sprinkle both cheeses and fresh parsley.
6. Form Loaf & Second Rise (30-45 minutes): Roll tightly from long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam-side down in greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until puffy and nearly to top of pan.
7. Bake (30-35 minutes): Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If browning too fast, cover top with foil during last 10 minutes.
8. Cool & Slice (20 minutes): Remove from oven. Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to keep crumb from becoming gummy.

Conclusion

This Italian herbs and cheese bread offers crispy crust, soft cheesy inside, and bold herby flavor in every slice. It pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, or antipasti. For meals centered on rich flavors, try serving this with Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls or beside a fresh Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan dinner. For lighter fare, a bowl of Roasted Broccoli and Carrots works perfectly.

Store this bread at room temperature for up to 2 days wrapped in foil or in a breadbox. Refrigerate if needed for up to 1 week. Freeze the fully cooled loaf wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat by wrapping in foil in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Pin this recipe to your bread or comfort foods board and be sure to follow me on Pinterest if you want more homemade bread recipes and cheesy loaf ideas.

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