Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

Italian herb and cheese bread is a flavorful bread infused with Italian herbs and studded with cheese. This delicious variation of traditional bread incorporates classic Italian flavors and is super easy to make.

This bread’s texture and flavor are very similar to your Subway sandwich bread.

Jump to:

• 🧂Ingredients List
• 🔪Instructions for the Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
•  💭Tips for Perfecting Your Italian Herb Cheese Bread
• 🍽Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Italian Cheese Bread
• 🫙How to store Italian seasoning and cheese bread
• Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
• 📋Nutrition Facts

🧂Ingredients List

• Bread flour (replace with an equal quantity of all-purpose flour)
• Whole milk
• Table salt
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Mixed Italian seasoning
• Shredded cheese mix (Monterey jack + Cheddar + Mozzarella cheese mix)
  

🔪Instructions for the Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

1. Activate Yeast

To activate the yeast, follow these detailed steps:

• Prepare the Mixture: In a small bowl, combine a specific amount of warm water (typically between 100°F and 110°F) and sugar. The sugar acts as food for the yeast, helping it to activate.

• Add the Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface of the water. Make sure the yeast is well-distributed and not clumped together. Use a spoon to mix it well in the water.

• Wait for Activation: Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, you should start to see bubbles and foam forming on the surface.

• Check for Foam: The presence of foam indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be used in your recipe. If there is no foam, the yeast might be old or the water might have been too hot or too cold, so you may need to start the process again.

2. Kneading the dough in a stand mixer

To begin the Italian herb bread recipe, start by kneading the dough. Use a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add all the dry ingredients to the bowl: bread flour, Italian seasoning, and salt. Next, pour in the yeast mixture and milk, ensuring the milk is at room temperature to promote quick and effective yeast activity.

Attach the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Knead the dough on low speed until it becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This process should take approximately 7-8 minutes, or until the dough is fully integrated, smooth, and shiny.

Kneading the Dough by Hands

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
  
• Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture and milk into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use the back of a wooden ladle to stir the ingredients until the dough begins to come together and forms a rough, sticky mass.
  
• Prepare for Kneading: Lightly flour a clean surface where you will be kneading the dough. Transfer the dough from the bowl to this floured surface.
  
• Knead the Dough: Using your hands, begin to knead the dough by pushing it away from you with the heels of your hands, then folding it over and rotating it slightly. Continue this process for about 7-8 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky to manage, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over it and continue kneading. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough dry.

Pro Tip for efficient kneading: Rest the Dough. After you have incorporated all the flour and kneaded the dough to the desired consistency, let it rest for a few minutes. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and kneading further.

3. Bulk Fermentation Process:

• After kneading, take the dough and place it into a bowl that has been lightly greased with oil or cooking spray. This prevents the dough from sticking to the sides of the bowl as it rises.
• Use a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to cover the bowl. This helps to retain moisture within the bowl, preventing the dough from drying out during the fermentation process.
•  Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly warm environment, free from cold drafts, ensures the yeast remains active, promoting even and efficient rising.
• Allow the dough to rise undisturbed for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, producing carbon dioxide which causes the dough to expand and double in size.
•  After the allotted time, check the dough to ensure it has doubled in size. This indicates that the dough is ready for the next steps in your bread-making process.

Bulk fermentation is crucial for developing the dough's structure and flavor, setting the foundation for a successful bake.

4. Prepare the cheese mixture

 In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

5. Shape the bread

 Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round. Then divide the dough into three equal parts.

Now take each piece of dough and shape it into a batard. Find detailed instructions in the batard bread recipe. You can also make four small subway-foot-long Italian breads with this recipe. Just divide the dough into four equal parts and proceed with the recipe as stated.

6. Proofing the shaped Italian herb bread

Place the shaped bread on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover them with a towel and place in a warm corner of the kitchen.  Once the bread has risen considerably, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). There is no fixed time frame for this to happen. Mine took about 45 minutes. In winter, it can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours. So, just keep an eye.

7. Add the cheese mix

While the oven is preheating, the bread would complete proofing. Now is the time to sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the proofed bread loaves, leaving a small border around the edges. Also, add some dried Italian herbs on the top of the loaves.

Feel free to customize your Italian Cheese Bread with additional ingredients like herbs, garlic, or even pepperoni for a unique twist. Let your creativity shine and make this recipe your own!

8. Bake the bread

Once the bread has finished its second rise, bake in the preheated oven ( 375 ⁰F) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

 If you tap the bottom of the bread, it should sound hollow. That’s how you know that the bread is ready.

 Take them out and place them on cooling racks. Allow the bread to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. The anticipation of waiting for it to cool slightly before slicing into it is both torturous and exciting - the payoff is worth it!

Serve warm and enjoy the aroma of freshly baked Italian seasoning and cheese bread!

 💭Tips for Perfecting Your Italian Herb Cheese Bread

• Choosing the Right Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, to achieve that perfectly cheesy crust. You can also add cheese to the bread dough. The more cheese, the merrier!
• Ensuring Proper Dough Consistency: Pay attention to the dough's consistency while kneading - it should be soft, smooth, and slightly sticky. This will result in a light and airy bread with a delightful chew.
• Baking Techniques for Best Results: Bake the bread on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispy crust and fully melted cheese. A hot oven and a little steam will help create that bakery-quality finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

🍽Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Italian Cheese Bread

So you've whipped up a delicious batch of Italian cheese bread, now it's time to think about how to take your bread game to the next level with some perfect pairings. Make them into ideal homemade subway sandwiches.

Slice and make crostini. Pair it with a classic marinara sauce for an extra kick of flavor, or elevate it with some garlic dip for a creamy and indulgent experience. And then, top with some cheese and tomato. If you're feeling fancy, serve it with a side of balsamic reduction for a sweet and tangy contrast. And let's not forget about good old-fashioned olive tapenade for a Mediterranean twist.

🫙How to store Italian seasoning and cheese bread

• Before storing, make sure they have cooled down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can affect the texture and taste of the buns.
• Put them in a cotton cloth or put them in a bread bag. This helps to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Now, place them in a bread box or a closed container: Transfer the wrapped Italian herb and cheese bread to a bread box or any closed container. This provides an additional layer of protection against air and humidity.
• Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
• Ideally, consume them within 2-3 days of baking for optimal taste and texture. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them (see next step).
• Freezing option: If you want them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a sealable freezer bag. Frozen bread can be stored for up to 1-2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them to bring them to room temperature before enjoying them.
  
  

More bread recipes

• How to make the basic sourdough batard?
• Sourdough Breadsticks
• Matcha Bread (Eggless Matcha Swirl Bread)
• Ube Bread
• Cheese Naan
• Cheesy Garlic Pull-apart Bread
  
  

There you have it – your very own homemade Italian Herb and cheese bread. Gather around, share with friends and family, and savor the deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!

If you like the recipe, share it with your friends and family.

Till then,

Bake it Delicious!