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Delicious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

A delightful homemade bread featuring a crispy crust and a soft, cheesy interior, infused with Italian herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (around 110°F) Check temperature to ensure yeast activation.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) Can substitute with fresh herbs.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan) Feel free to use Halal cheese varieties.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and dried herbs.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  4. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. In another bowl, mix the shredded cheese into the risen dough, kneading it gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout.
  7. Place the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and place it into a greased baking pan.
  8. Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy!

Notes

For perfect bread, allow adequate rising time and avoid adding too much flour when kneading. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.