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Savory Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe with Melty Cheese Pull-Apart

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A quick and easy savory Italian herb cheese bread featuring layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs, with a golden garlic butter crust. Perfect for cozy evenings, potlucks, and crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp / 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp (2g) dried Italian herb mix (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F / 43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and about 3 cups (375g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mixer on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour, about ½ cup (65g) at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still slightly sticky.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5–6 minutes if using a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare filling: While dough rises, mix shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and minced garlic in a bowl.
  6. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a roughly 12×15 inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, make parallel cuts about 2 inches apart across the dough, stopping about ½ inch from the edge.
  7. Layer with cheese: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Carefully stack the slices back, layering cheese between each.
  8. Second rise: Transfer the layered dough to a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rest for another 30–40 minutes until puffed.
  9. Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before baking.
  10. Final touches: Brush the top of the dough with melted butter infused with garlic and herbs.
  11. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  12. Cool & serve: Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, cover bread loosely with foil halfway through baking. Avoid slicing immediately after baking; let it rest to set. Use fresh yeast and warm water to ensure proper rising. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herb bread, cheese pull-apart bread, savory bread, mozzarella bread, Parmesan bread, easy bread recipe, pull-apart bread, cheesy bread

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/savory-italian-herb-cheese-bread-recipe-with-melty-cheese-pull-apart-easy-guide/