Rustic Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

My Familys Favorite Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

By SandraJuly 6, 2025

This Italian herb cheese bread is a slice of heaven Easy to make loaded with mozzarella Parmesan Perfect Italian appetizer bread for any occasion Get the recipe ... Healthy Eats

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Rustic Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Ever get that craving for something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying? Then let me tell you about this Italian herb cheese bread recipe . It's seriously good.

This amazing Italian herb cheese bread is like a trip to Italy without the plane ticket! It's a savory bread dream.

We are talking about a blend of mozzarella parmesan bread , fragrant herbs, and that rustic, homemade feel.

A Taste of Tuscany at Home

Homemade Italian bread has a rich history. It’s the heart of many Italian meals. This recipe is a simple way to bring that tradition to your table.

It's not too tricky and takes about 2 hours 15 minutes from start to finish. You will get around 8-10 delicious slices.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Bread

This is the perfect Italian appetizer bread for any gathering, or just a cozy night in. Plus, the herbs like rosemary and basil are known for their health benefits, adding a little goodness to every bite.

I once brought this to a potluck, and it was gone in minutes. Honestly, people were practically fighting over the last slice! It’s that good.

So, if you want a garlic herb bread to impress your friends and families, this recipe is for you

Let's gather our ingredients for this Savory bread recipe !

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Shopping List for Amazing Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Alright, so you wanna bake some Italian herb cheese bread ? Fantastic! This ain't your average loaf. We're talking garlic herb bread perfection.

First, let’s gather everything. Trust me, having it all prepped makes life way easier. It is the secret ingredient for a perfect Italian appetizer bread .

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Warm Water: 1 cup (240ml), aim for 110° F ( 43° C) . Seriously , temperature matters. Too hot, you'll kill the yeast. Too cold, and nothing happens.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon . Feeds the yeast, helps it get going.
Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp or 7g). Freshness is key. Check the expiration date, yeah?
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml), plus extra for greasing. Use good quality.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/2 cups (440g), plus more for dusting. All-purpose flour is the way to go.
Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons . Don't skip it! It brings out all the flavours.
Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon . Get a good blend.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (optional).
Shredded Mozzarella: 1 cup (115g). An easy cheese bread recipe starts with quality cheese
Grated Parmesan: 1/4 cup (25g), plus extra for topping (optional). Use the real stuff.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , finely chopped (optional).

Seasoning Sensations: Aromatic Magic

A killer herb cheese bread recipe is all about the herbs. Don't be shy! Oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary – they’re the stars.

Garlic powder adds a nice punch too. Subbing dried herbs for fresh? Use about a third of the amount. And remember that fresh parsley brightens everything up.

A quality indicator for all these ingredients is to follow the smell, that’s the rule.

Equipment Essentials: Simple Tools for Success

You really don't need fancy gadgets for this savory bread recipe .

Large Mixing Bowl
Small Bowl
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Baking Sheet (or loaf pan)
Parchment Paper (optional, but makes cleanup a breeze!)
Kitchen Towel (or plastic wrap)
Wire Rack

Got a stand mixer? Great! Otherwise, your hands will do just fine. No parchment paper? Grease that baking sheet like your life depends on it! Ready to make some amazing homemade Italian bread ? Let's do this! And get ready for the delicious aroma that fills up your kitchen for a perfect Mozzarella Parmesan bread

Rustic Italian Herb and Cheese Bread presentation

Unleash Your Inner Baker: Rustic Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Oh my gosh, let's talk about bread! Not just any bread, but the kind that makes your kitchen smell like you've been transported straight to Tuscany: Italian herb cheese bread .

Honestly, this recipe is my go-to when I need a little bit of comfort. This Italian bread recipe will give you a loaf that’s rustic, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First, get everything organised. It's called mise en place . Measure out 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 packet of yeast, and have 1 cup of warm water (110° F / 43° C ) ready.

Shred 1 cup of mozzarella Parmesan bread cheese and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. This will save you time and prevent any mid-recipe panic!

Step-by-Step: From Dough to Delicious

Activate your yeast. Mix the yeast with 1 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Wait 5- 10 minutes. It should get foamy!
Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary).
Make the dough. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
Knead like you mean it. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8- 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1. 5 hours, or until doubled.
Cheese time! Punch down the dough and knead in your mozzarella and Parmesan.
Second rise. Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake! Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Bake for 25- 30 minutes, until golden brown.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Loaf

Want to avoid a flat, dense loaf? Make sure your yeast is fresh. Also, don't over-knead the dough! Garlic herb bread is amazing, but don't go overboard with the garlic powder.

A little goes a long way. For that perfect crust, consider a quick egg wash before baking. You can turn this into a rosemary cheese bread by replacing the Italian seasoning with chopped rosemary.

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Let's talk about some extra tidbits to make your Italian herb cheese bread experience the best it can be. This isn't just any Italian bread recipe ; it's your bread now! Oh my gosh, I'm so excited for you to try this.

Serving Suggestions That Wow

When it comes to plating, think rustic charm. A wooden board sprinkled with flour looks amazing. Cut thick slices of your mozzarella Parmesan bread and arrange them artfully.

For drinks, a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly. Seriously, it's a match made in heaven. As a side? Think a simple Caprese salad.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Honestly, this garlic herb bread is best enjoyed fresh. But if you have leftovers, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and freeze in an airtight container.

When reheating, a quick toast in the oven brings it back to life. 175° C ( 350° F) for about 5- 7 minutes is perfect.

Variations on a Theme

Want to switch things up? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free artisan bread recipe flour blend. And for a dairy-free option, look for vegan herb cheese bread recipe alternatives.

Oh, and during autumn? Try adding a touch of roasted butternut squash puree to the dough for a subtle sweetness.

It will change your life.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Each slice of this easy cheese bread recipe clocks in around 250-300 calories. You also get a decent amount of protein and calcium from the cheese, and fibre from the flour.

It's also packed with herbs, which, in addition to being packed of flavour, are full of antioxidants. It is the best Savory bread recipe ever!

So, go on and get baking! I promise, this homemade Italian bread will be a hit. This rosemary cheese bread recipe is more than food; it’s about memories.

It's about sharing something delicious with the people you love.

Delicious Italian Herb Bread A Cheese Lovers Dream

Frequently Asked Questions

My yeast isn't activating! What did I do wrong?

Crikey, that's a common one! First, make sure your water is the right temperature – lukewarm, around 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and they won't wake up. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Sometimes, they just lose their mojo!

Can I make this Italian herb cheese bread ahead of time?

You bet! For best results, bake the bread as directed and then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and you can store it at room temperature for a day or two, or freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). When you're ready to serve, just thaw it out and warm it in the oven for a few minutes to freshen it up – almost as good as freshly baked!

What kind of cheese works best in Italian herb cheese bread?

Mozzarella is a classic choice because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that lets the herbs shine. But, feel free to experiment! Provolone and fontina are also excellent options for a more robust cheesy flavor. And a sprinkle of Parmesan is non-negotiable!

Can I add other ingredients to this Italian herb cheese bread recipe?

Absolutely, you're the captain now! Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or olives would all be fantastic additions. Just chop them finely and gently knead them into the dough along with the cheese. Just try not to add anything too wet that might throw off the dough's consistency.

Is this Italian herb cheese bread healthy? What's the nutritional information?

Well, it's not exactly a kale smoothie, is it? Bread with cheese is more of a treat rather than a health food. A slice of this delicious bread will give you carbs and cheese, so if you're on a health kick, it may not be your best choice. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

My bread is browning too quickly! What should I do?

Blimey, don't panic! If your bread is getting too brown on top before it's fully cooked inside, tent it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time. This will protect the crust from burning while allowing the inside to finish cooking. You could also try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees.