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Italian Herb Cheese Bread

Italian Herb Cheese Bread
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★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

This Italian Herb Cheese Bread recipe combines a soft, flavorful dough with a rich, cheesy herb filling to create the ultimate savory bread. With layers of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh Italian herbs, this bread is perfect as a tasty appetizer or a delicious side. The twisted, braided shape makes for an impressive presentation, while the everything bagel seasoning and egg wash add a golden, flavorful crust.

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 Herb Filling

  • 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

Toppings and Finishing Touches

  • 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, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms and all ingredients are incorporated.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with the dough hook attachment on medium speed for the same duration. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time during kneading.
  5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it once so all surfaces are coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough rises, prepare the cheese herb filling by combining softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl.
  7. Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the filling mixture as desired. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
  8. Chill the Filling (Optional): For easier spreading later, chill the cheese herb filling for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your 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 trapped air gases.
  11. Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness.
  12. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the herb cheese filling over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along one long edge without filling for sealing.
  13. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge of the filling border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam firmly to seal the roll and prevent filling from leaking.
  14. Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough log in half lengthwise, keeping both cut sides facing upward to expose the filling swirls.
  15. Twist the Strands: Gently twist the two dough strands together, maintaining the cut sides facing up to showcase the filling layers.
  16. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully move the twisted bread onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a circle or keep it as a long loaf based on your preference.
  17. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk (or water) until combined. This will give the bread a shiny, golden crust.
  18. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the twisted bread evenly with the egg wash mixture.
  19. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional grated Parmesan cheese, or dried Italian herbs over the bread for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  20. Bake: Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, tent the bread lightly with aluminum foil.
  21. Cool Slightly: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, around 105-115°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Chilling the cheese filling before spreading is optional but recommended for easier handling.
  • The dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated after the first rise; bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
  • The red pepper flakes in the filling are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary, using about one-third of the fresh herb amounts.
  • Brush with egg wash just before baking to ensure a shiny, golden crust.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herb cheese bread, savory bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, Italian herbs, cream cheese bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/italian-herb-cheese-bread/