Tuscan Herb and Cheese Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're a fan of savory breads, this Tuscan Herb and Cheese Bread is about to become your new favorite. Packed with aromatic Italian herbs and a double hit of cheese, it's perfect for everything from a cozy family dinner to an elegant dinner party. Let's dive into this delicious adventure!

Ingredients for Tuscan Herb and Cheese Bread

All-purpose flour forms the base of your bread, providing structure and texture. Sugar feeds the yeast, helping the bread rise with a hint of sweetness. Active dry yeast is the key to getting that airy, fluffy texture. Salt enhances all those delicious flavors. Warm water activates the yeast — make sure it's not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Olive oil adds moisture and a subtle richness. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, while Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Dried Italian herbs bring the fragrant, savory notes that make this bread special.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on for a warm environment.
  • For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor — the pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt the same.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is a fantastic side for pasta dishes, particularly those with tomato-based sauces. It's also excellent sliced and toasted, served with a drizzle of olive oil or a spread of garlic butter. For a special touch, serve it with a hearty soup or stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the step of dissolving it in water and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap it in foil or place it in a bread bag to keep it fresh for a couple of days. Freeze it for longer storage.

Tuscan Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and mixing together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate cup, dissolve the yeast in the warm water — it should be about the temperature of a warm bath. Let it sit for about five minutes, watching for a foamy top that tells you the yeast is alive and kicking.

Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into your dry ingredients, stirring until everything comes together into a soft dough. Transfer this dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it feels smooth and elastic under your hands.

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size. Once it's risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Now, knead in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, making sure they're evenly distributed.

Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil for a beautiful golden finish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it.

Once out of the oven, cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing into it. This will keep the loaf from becoming gummy as it cools.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with rich Italian herbs that transport you straight to Tuscany.
  • The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives it a cheesy depth.
  • Perfectly soft and chewy with a golden crust.
  • Easy to make, even for beginners.
  • A great way to fill your home with a delightful aroma.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
Extra flour for dusting
Olive oil for brushing

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and knead in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs evenly.
7. Shape the dough into a loaf and place on a greased baking sheet.
8. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Brush the loaf with olive oil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

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