Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf

The Perfect Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf

Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen! This Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf is a culinary delight, combining the richness of Parmesan cheese with the aromatic flavors of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: A simple yeast bread recipe that’s beginner-friendly.
• Savory & Cheesy: Parmesan cheese adds richness, while herbs bring aromatic depth.
• Soft Yet Crusty: A crispy, golden-brown crust with a soft, fluffy inside.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it with soups, sandwiches, pasta, or as a side.
• Customizable: Add extra cheese, swap the herbs, or mix in garlic for more flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
• For the Egg Wash:
  • 1 egg, beaten

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf & Second Rise:
   Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Bake the Bread:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg to create a golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool & Serve:
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips

• How to Serve:
  • Warm with butter for a comforting snack.
  • Pair with soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
  • Use it for sandwiches, garlic bread, or toast.
  • Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a restaurant-style appetizer.
• How to Store:
  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week, but warm slices before serving.
  • Freezer: Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Helpful Notes

• Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs work beautifully, but dried herbs add convenience and concentrated flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different taste.
• Let It Cool Before Slicing: Cutting into warm bread can make it dense or gummy—let it cool for the best texture.
• Make It Garlic Herb Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
• Crispier Crust Tip: Place a small pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking to create steam for a crispier crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step (activating the yeast in water) and mix it directly into the flour.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, but the bread may be denser. For a softer loaf, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
3. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
   Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. You can also check with a thermometer; the internal temperature should be 190°F (88°C).
4. Can I make this bread without cheese?
   Absolutely! The herbs alone still make a delicious and aromatic loaf.
5. How can I make this into dinner rolls?
   Divide the dough into small balls, place them in a greased baking dish, and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf is a must-try for any bread lover! With its cheesy, herby aroma and soft, fluffy texture, it’s the perfect homemade bread for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty soup, making sandwiches, or enjoying it warm with butter, this bread will quickly become a favorite.

Best of all, it’s easy to make, even for beginners! Once you bake this savory, flavorful loaf, you’ll never want store-bought bread again.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread!

Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

• Total Time: 2hours hrs 15minutes mins

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 1/4 tsp
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water 110°F/45°C
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs.
• Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: First Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf & Second Rise

• Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg to create a golden crust.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade herb and cheese bread!

Notes

1. 1. Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs work beautifully, but dried herbs add convenience and concentrated flavor.

1. 1. Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different taste.

1. 1. Let It Cool Before Slicing: Cutting into warm bread can make it dense or gummy—let it cool for the best texture.

1. 1. Make It Garlic Herb Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.

1. Crispier Crust Tip: Place a small pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking to create steam for a crispier crust.

• Author: James Smith
• Prep Time: 15minutes mins
• Cook Time: 30minutes mins

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 210 kcal