Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade bread featuring a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a cheesy topping of Monterey Jack and Parmesan. Perfectly soft inside with a golden crust, this bread pairs wonderfully with sandwiches or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Water (warm, 100-110 degrees F)
- 1.5 tbsp Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 cups Bread Flour
Topping Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl or measuring cup. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix dry ingredients: While yeast activates, combine bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl to prepare the dough base.
- Form the dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Mix thoroughly (5 to 10 minutes using a stand mixer) until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour your work surface or use parchment paper, transfer the dough onto it, and divide into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf.
- First rise: Arrange the four loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 4 inches of space between them. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot for about 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare loaves for baking: Remove plastic wrap, cut 3 shallow slices on top of each loaf with a sharp knife. Brush each loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly. Top each loaf evenly with shredded Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool the bread: Transfer the baked loaves to a cooling rack and let cool enough so they are comfortable to handle and slice.
- Serve or gift: Enjoy the bread fresh within a day or two for best flavor. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, but bread flour yields a better texture.
- Adjust the cheese quantities if you prefer more or less cheesy topping.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment improves yeast activity.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
