The Art of Ultimate Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Perfection

Perfect Dough Development

Master the technique of creating smooth, elastic dough with proper gluten development for ideal texture.

Herb and Cheese Integration Excellence

Learn the skill of evenly distributing herbs and cheese for consistent flavor throughout the loaf.

Rising Mastery

Perfect the method of achieving optimal dough rise for light, airy texture and proper structure.

Shaping and Rolling Technique

Master the art of rolling and shaping filled dough for beautiful presentation and even baking.

Baking Perfection Strategy

Learn optimal baking techniques for golden crust, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked interior.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Mastery Secrets for Bakery-Quality Results at Home

Yeast Activity: Ensure yeast is foamy before proceeding to guarantee proper rise.

Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest, most authentic flavors.

Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting properties.

Dough Texture: Properly kneaded dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Rising Environment: Place in warm, draft-free area for optimal rising conditions.

Cooling Patience: Allow complete cooling before slicing for clean cuts and proper texture.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with Fresh Basil and Parmesan Crust

Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with Fresh Basil and Parmesan Crust
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 2 loaves
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Bread Foundation:; 4 cups bread flour; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/4 cups warm water; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 large eggs; For the Italian Herb Blend:; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Cheese Mixture:; 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated; 1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced; For the Garlic Butter Base:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Crust Enhancement:; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons milk

The ultimate artisan bread featuring a golden, crispy crust infused with aromatic Italian herbs, melted cheese, and fresh basil baked to perfection. This bakery-quality homemade bread combines the classic flavors of Italy with tender, fluffy interior and a beautifully seasoned exterior crust loaded with Parmesan, mozzarella, and fragrant herbs, creating an unforgettable bread experience that's perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or any time you crave the warm, comforting aroma and taste of authentic Italian bakery bread fresh from your own oven.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

3H5 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Bread Foundation:

4 cups bread flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons instant yeast

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/4 cups warm water

1/4 cup olive oil

2 large eggs

For the Italian Herb Blend:

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated

1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced

For the Garlic Butter Base:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Crust Enhancement:

1 large egg, beaten

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

For the Fresh Components:

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

For the Flavor Boosters:

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Finishing Touches:

Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Fresh herbs for garnish

Flaky sea salt

Cracked black pepper

For Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Kitchen scale (optional)

Clean kitchen towels

Two 9x5 inch loaf pans

Pastry brush

Sharp knife for scoring

Instructions

Begin by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in large mixing bowl.

Let yeast mixture stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and active.

Add olive oil, eggs, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture.

Mix until smooth, then gradually add remaining flour and salt until dough forms.

Knead dough on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

Meanwhile, prepare garlic butter by mixing softened butter with garlic and herbs.

Combine all cheeses in bowl and mix with Italian herb blend thoroughly.

Punch down risen dough and divide into two equal portions for loaves.

Roll each portion into rectangle approximately 12x8 inches on floured surface.

Spread half of garlic butter mixture over each dough rectangle evenly.

Sprinkle half of cheese and herb mixture over each buttered dough piece.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves over cheese layer.

Roll up each rectangle tightly from short end, pinching seam to seal.

Place seam-side down in greased 9x5 inch loaf pans for final rise.

Cover loaves and let rise for 45 minutes until nearly doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375°F while loaves complete their final rise.

Beat egg with milk to create wash and brush over tops of loaves.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan, herbs, and coarse sea salt over egg wash.

Score tops of loaves with sharp knife in decorative diagonal pattern.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.

Remove from oven and brush tops with olive oil for extra shine.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks.

Let cool completely before slicing to maintain proper texture and structure.

Serve warm or at room temperature with additional butter and herbs.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with Fresh Basil and Parmesan Crust

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Perfection

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread with Fresh Basil and Parmesan Crust

Ingredients

Instructions