Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (mixed oregano, basil, and thyme)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., rosemary or parsley)
Instructions
Creating this mouthwatering Delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a simple yet rewarding process. Just follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it foams.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Ensure that it’s well combined for even flavor distribution.
3. Combine Mixtures: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the foamy yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Incorporate the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan halfway through kneading.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Shape it into a loaf or round ball depending on your preference.
7. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with the towel again for about 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up a bit.
8. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Bread: After the second rise, bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 7g