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Italian Herb Cheese Bread:The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection Recipe
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5.1 from 21 reviews

This Italian Herb Cheese Bread recipe combines soft, fluffy homemade bread with a flavorful herb and cheese filling. Featuring a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan paired with fresh Italian herbs and garlic, this pull-apart bread is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side. The recipe guides you step-by-step to create a beautifully twisted loaf that’s golden-brown, aromatic, and irresistibly cheesy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Cheese Filling Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Dried Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a dough hook attachment on medium speed for the same duration. Add extra flour one tablespoon at a time if dough is too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough rises, mix softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
  7. Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to the cheese filling mixture and mix thoroughly to combine flavors evenly.
  8. Chill the Filling (Optional): Place the filling in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it firmer and easier to spread later.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  10. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the trapped air.
  11. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle to prepare for the filling.
  12. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chilled herb cheese filling over the dough, leaving approximately a 1/2 inch border on one of the long edges to help with sealing.
  13. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the edge opposite the filling border, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal completely.
  14. Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log lengthwise in half, keeping the cut sides facing upward to expose the layers.
  15. Twist the Strands: Gently twist the two dough strands together while preserving the cut surfaces on top to showcase the filling.
  16. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully place the twisted loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape into a circle or leave it as a long loaf as preferred.
  17. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water to create a glaze that promotes browning and shine.
  18. Brush with Egg Wash: Apply the egg wash evenly over the entire surface of the bread to ensure a golden finish.
  19. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional grated Parmesan, or dried Italian herbs over the bread for extra flavor and texture.
  20. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and the filling bubbles. If the bread browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  21. Cool Slightly: Allow the bread to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the filling and improves slicing.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh, high-quality herbs and cheeses.
  • If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, basil, and oregano.
  • Make sure the water temperature is between 105-115°F for optimal yeast activation; too hot or too cold can affect rising.
  • Chilling the cheese filling is optional but helps with spreading and keeps the filling in place while rolling.
  • The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven for a crisp crust and melty cheese.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on heat preference.
  • Everything bagel seasoning adds a nice crunchy texture and flavor but can be omitted or replaced with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herb cheese bread, cheesy bread recipe, homemade bread, herb bread, stuffed bread, pull-apart bread, garlic cheese bread

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-baking-perfection-recipe/