Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen! This Herb and Cheese Bread Loaf is soft, flavorful, and packed with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese and fragrant dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. It has a crisp golden crust, a soft and fluffy interior, and just the right balance of herbs and cheese. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is simple to follow and absolutely delicious.

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 ¼ tsp)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. 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

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

Step 3: Knead the Dough

4. 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

5. 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

6. Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
7. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

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

Step 7: Cool & Serve

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

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve:

• Warm with butter for a simple, 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

1. Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs work beautifully, but dried herbs add convenience and concentrated flavor.
2. Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different taste.
3. Let It Cool Before Slicing: Cutting into warm bread can make it dense or gummy—let it cool for the best texture.
4. Make It Garlic Herb Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
5. 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!

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