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Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

This Italian Herb Cheese Bread is a savory, soft bread filled with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh Italian herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite pasta, this twisted bread is golden baked and topped with an optional egg wash and seasonings for a beautiful finish.

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 that the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt evenly to distribute the salt through the flour.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a 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 by hand for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a dough hook on medium speed for the same duration. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  5. First Rise: Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough rises, in a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
  7. Season Filling: Add salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure all flavors are balanced.
  8. Chill the Filling (Optional): For easier spreading, chill the cheese filling in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
  10. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release excess air.
  11. Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle.
  12. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the herb cheese filling over the dough rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one of the long edges.
  13. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge without the filling border, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal.
  14. Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the log lengthwise in half. Keep the cut sides facing upward to display the filling.
  15. Twist the Strands: Gently twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up so the filling shows through.
  16. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully place the twisted bread onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a circle or leaving it as a long loaf according to your preference.
  17. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 tablespoon of milk or water to create an egg wash.
  18. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the bread with the egg wash to give it a glossy, golden finish once baked.
  19. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional grated Parmesan cheese, or dried Italian herbs over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  20. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the bread browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  21. Cool Slightly: Allow the bread to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain the crust texture.

Notes

  • Make sure water is at the correct temperature (105-115°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Use fresh yeast for best rise; expired yeast may result in dense bread.
  • Chilling the filling makes it easier to spread evenly without tearing the dough.
  • You can use dried herbs if fresh are not available; reduce quantity to about 1/3 of fresh herbs.
  • Everything bagel seasoning is optional but adds a nice savory crunch to the crust.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more fresh or powdered garlic to the filling.
  • This bread is best served warm but can be toasted the next day for freshness.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and cheeses with vegan alternatives and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian herb cheese bread, stuffed bread, Italian bread recipe, cheese filled bread, savory bread, homemade bread, twisted bread

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