Description
A delightful, soft bread infused with Italian herbs and cheese, perfect for pairing with various meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, dried herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a greased bread pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 200-210°F.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Notes
For a crustier bread, bake it longer or use a baking stone. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian