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Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with savory Italian herbs, garlic, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella. The golden cheesy topping makes every slice flavorful and delicious, while the tender homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, soups, pasta dinners, or serving alongside your favorite meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Bread Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Cheese Topping
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  4. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
  5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Gently punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
  8. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased loaf pan.
  9. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter or olive oil.
  12. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  13. Add Italian seasoning and dried oregano.
  14. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  15. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  16. Serve warm with butter, olive oil, soup, pasta, or your favorite sandwich fillings.

Notes

Use comfortably warm water rather than very hot water to protect the yeast.
Bread flour creates a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour produces a softer loaf.
Allow the dough to fully double during the first rise for a lighter bread.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns nicely on top.
Don't slice the bread immediately after baking; letting it cool helps the crumb set.
For stronger garlic flavor, add extra garlic powder or roasted garlic.
Fresh herbs can be used in place of some of the dried herbs.
Watch the bread closely during the final minutes of baking so the cheese does not become too dark.