Cheese And Herb Bread Recipe
Cheese and Herb Bread combines flour, yeast, cheese, and fresh herbs for a flavorful, savory loaf. Mix ingredients, knead dough, let rise, then shape and bake. The result is a soft, cheesy, and aromatic bread perfect for serving with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Baking sheet (if you want to bake directly on the rack)
- Cheese grater
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets 4 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary or 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
- ½ cup warm water about 110°F
- 4 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs for egg wash, optional
Instructions
Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
Make Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, thyme, and rosemary. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Shape and Add Cheese:
- Punch down the dough, then knead in the mozzarella and Parmesan. Shape into a loaf or divide into smaller rolls for individual servings. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Second Rise:
- Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the dough with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm!.
Notes
❖ Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture, while Parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
❖ Herbs: Fresh herbs will give a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work just as well. If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, try oregano, basil, or even a mix of herbs.
❖ Storage: This bread is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days. You can also freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to a month. Just reheat it in the oven to restore its fresh-baked goodness.