What’s the Best Way to Bake Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe?
I get asked this all the time that, how to make amazing bread at home? My secret is a simple process.
I use a bread machine for my dough. This takes about 90 minutes. Then I shape and bake it in the oven. This method gives the bread a rustic look.
My Italian herb and cheese bread recipe creates a perfect crust. The texture inside is soft and wonderful. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Key Takeaways
- Use lukewarm liquids, never hot.
- Freshly grated cheese tastes much better.
- Store cooled bread in a paper bag.
It is an easy recipe for everyone to try.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
This table gives you a fast look at the recipe. You can see how much time you will need. It also shows the skill level.
Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level | Spice Level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 hours 30 mins | 18-20 mins | 2 hours 50 mins | 6 Loaves | Beginner | Mild |
Why an Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe is A Must-try for Any Meal
This bread is perfect for any time of day. Its amazing smell and taste make every meal special. You will love how easy it is to make.
The Irresistible Aroma of a Bakery in Your Home
The smell of this bread is simply amazing. Baking bread, herbs, and cheese fill your home. It creates a warm and cozy feeling. Everyone will know something delicious is cooking. This wonderful scent makes your house feel like a bakery. Your family will be excited for dinner.
Incredibly Versatile for Any Meal
This bread is great for any meal. For breakfast, you can enjoy a slice as toast. At lunch, it makes the best sandwiches. For dinner, serve it with soup or pasta. It is also a perfect standalone snack. You can eat it plain and warm from the oven.
Far Superior to Store-Bought Versions
Homemade bread is always better than store-bought. You use fresh ingredients. There are no preservatives in your bread. The texture is soft and warm. You cannot get that from a plastic bag. The taste is much richer. You control what goes into your food.
A Rewarding and Fun Baking Experience
Baking this bread is a lot of fun. Kneading the dough is a satisfying feeling. You get to watch the dough rise. It is a great project for a lazy weekend. Both new and skilled bakers will enjoy it. The final result is truly rewarding to see.
How to Prepare Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

This section will guide you through the recipe. It has a list of ingredients. It also includes step-by-step instructions. Let’s start baking this wonderful bread.
Ingredients | Amount | Alternative |
---|---|---|
All-Purpose Flour | 500g | Bread Flour |
Instant Yeast | 1 ½ tsp | Active Dry Yeast |
Honey | 1 tsp | Maple Syrup or Sugar |
Lukewarm Milk | ½ cup | Water or Almond Milk |
Lukewarm Water | ¾ cup | Milk |
Egg | 1 | Flax Egg |
Olive Oil | 3 tbsp | Melted Butter |
Parmesan Cheese | 2 tbsp | Asiago or Romano Cheese |
Garlic Powder | ½ tsp | 1 clove fresh minced garlic |
Onion Powder | ½ tsp | Onion Salt (reduce other salt) |
Dried Oregano | 1 tsp | Italian Seasoning Blend |
Salt | ½ tsp | Sea Salt |
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
First, you need to wake up the yeast. Take a small bowl. Add the warm milk, honey, and yeast. Stir them together just a little bit. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. It should become foamy on top. This foam shows the yeast is alive. It is now ready to make your dough rise.
Step 2: Creating the Dough
Now, let’s make the dough. Get a very large bowl. Put the flour, salt, herbs, and parmesan in it. Mix these dry parts together well. In another bowl, mix the yeast foam, egg, and oil. Pour this wet mix into the dry mix. Slowly add the warm water. Stir until a sticky dough ball forms.
Step 3: Kneading to Perfection
Kneading is a very important step. Place the dough on a floured surface. Push and fold the dough for 5 to 10 minutes. It will become smooth and stretchy. You can also use a stand mixer. Use the dough hook for about 7 minutes. The dough is ready when it is no longer sticky.
Step 4: The First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
Your dough now needs to rest and grow. Put a little oil in a clean bowl. Place the dough inside the bowl. Turn it over so the top is oiled. Cover the bowl with a cloth. Let it sit in a warm place. It needs to double in size. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 5: Shaping the Loaves
Once the dough has risen, it is time to shape it. Gently punch the air out of the dough. Divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small log shape. This will look like a mini sub loaf. Place each loaf on a baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them.
Step 6: The Second Rise (Proofing)
The shaped loaves need one more rise. Cover them with a cloth again. Let them rest for about 30 minutes. They will get puffy. This final rise makes the bread light and airy. Do not let them rise for too long. They might collapse when you bake them. This step is key for a soft texture.
Step 7: Topping and Baking
The final step is to bake your bread. Brush the loaves with a beaten egg. Sprinkle the herb and cheese topping over them. Add the shredded Tex-Mex cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F. The bread will need about 18 minutes. It is done when it is golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Result
Here are some helpful tips. They will ensure your bread turns out perfect every time. Follow these simple tricks for delicious results. You will feel like a professional baker.
Ensure Your Liquids are Lukewarm, Not Hot
The temperature of your milk and water is key. The liquid should feel warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast. If the yeast dies, your bread will not rise. Use a thermometer to check. The best temperature is around 110°F. This will keep your yeast happy and active.
Don’t Be Afraid of a Sticky Dough
Your dough might feel sticky at first. Do not add too much extra flour. A sticky dough has enough water. This hydration makes the bread soft. As you knead, it will become less sticky. Trust the process. A well-hydrated dough leads to a tender, delicious bread.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
For the best flavor, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has powders on it. These powders stop it from clumping. They also stop it from melting well. Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully. It also has a much stronger, nuttier taste. This small step makes a big difference.
How to Store and Serve Your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
Proper storage keeps your bread fresh. There are also many great ways to serve it. This guide gives you the best methods for storing and serving your homemade bread.
Storing Your Homemade Bread
- For Short-Term Freshness: Keep the bread at room temperature. Put it in a paper bag or a bread box. This will keep the crust crisp. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. Do not use a plastic bag. Plastic makes the crust soft and soggy.
- For Long-Term Storage: You can freeze this bread easily. Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap. Then wrap it again in aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for 3 months. To eat, thaw it at room temperature. You can warm it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
- The Ultimate Sandwich Base: This bread is perfect for sandwiches. Fill it with meatballs and marinara sauce. Try it with chicken parmesan. It is also great for Italian cold cuts. The bread holds up well to many fillings. Your sandwiches will taste amazing.
- Alongside Soups and Salads: A slice of this bread is great with soup. It is perfect for dipping in minestrone. Serve it with a thick, hearty stew. It also pairs well with a fresh salad. It makes any simple meal feel more special.
- As an Appetizer: Serve this bread as a simple appetizer. Slice it while it is still warm. Serve it with a dipping oil. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Your guests will love this easy starter. It is a great way to begin any meal.
Variations to try
You can easily change this recipe. Try new flavors to make it your own. These simple variations add a fun twist. Your family will love the surprises.
Spice It Up
If you like spicy food, add some heat. Mix a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the flour. This will give the bread a mild kick. For more spice, add sliced jalapeños on top. Put them on before you bake the bread. This creates a bold and zesty flavor.
Extra Cheesy Delight
For the ultimate cheese lover’s bread. Add more cheese inside the dough. Cut mozzarella or provolone into small cubes. Fold them into the dough while you are kneading. As the bread bakes, the cheese will melt. This creates delicious, gooey pockets of cheese in every slice.
Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention
Even simple recipes can have problems. Here are some common mistakes. This guide offers solutions and prevention tips. It helps you bake perfect bread every time.
Mistake #01: The Dough Didn’t Rise
- Solution: If your dough is not rising, move it to a warmer spot. Sometimes the yeast just needs more warmth and time to work.
- Prevention: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Use a thermometer to ensure your liquids are lukewarm, around 110°F. A cold room can also slow down the rise.
Mistake #02: The Bread is Dense and Heavy
- Solution: A dense loaf can be sliced thinly and toasted. This makes it into great croutons or crostini for soups and dips.
- Prevention: Make sure you knead the dough long enough. It should be smooth and elastic. Also, be careful not to add too much extra flour. A wet dough makes a light bread.
Mistake #03: The Topping Burned Before the Bread Was Cooked
- Solution: There is not much you can do after it burns. You can try to gently scrape off the darkest bits once it has cooled.
- Prevention: If the top browns too fast, cover it. Use a loose piece of aluminum foil. Do this for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Also, bake the bread on the center oven rack.
FAQ
Can I prepare the dough for this Italian herb and cheese bread recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. After the first rise, punch it down. Then cover it and put it in the fridge. It can stay there for up to 24 hours.
What is the best type of cheese to use for the topping?
Parmesan gives a classic flavor. But you can use others. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works great. Asiago cheese is also a delicious option.
Can I make this recipe using whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. Replace half of the all-purpose flour. The bread will be a bit denser. It will have a nuttier flavor.
Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Bake soft, aromatic Subway-style herb and cheese bread at home easily.
Ingredients
- 500g All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ tsp Instant Yeast
- 1 tsp Honey
- ½ cup Lukewarm Milk
- ¾ cup Lukewarm Water
- 1 Egg
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 Egg, beaten (for topping)
- Tex-Mex Cheese (for topping)
- Additional herbs and cheese for topping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast in warm milk and honey.
- In a large bowl, mix dry dough ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form dough.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Divide dough into six and shape into loaves.
- Let the shaped loaves rise for 30 minutes.
- Brush loaves with egg wash and add toppings.
- Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before you slice.
Notes
- Use lukewarm liquids, never hot.
- Freshly grated cheese tastes much better.
- Store cooled bread in a paper bag.
You now have everything you need. This guide makes baking bread simple. You can create something truly special.
So go ahead and try this amazing Italian herb and cheese bread recipe. Your kitchen will smell wonderful. Your family will be so impressed.
Please share your experience in the comments. I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Happy baking!