Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves

Title: Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves: A Savory Delight for Every Occasion

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Now, imagine that bread filled with aromatic herbs and melted cheese. That’s exactly what you get with Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves, a delicious, savory treat that will elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner, a festive gathering, or a cozy evening at home.

These bread loaves are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of fragrant herbs and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your home and makes your taste buds tingle with anticipation. It’s the perfect addition to soups, stews, or simply served on its own with a drizzle of olive oil.

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a loaf of bread that’s both easy and packed with flavor, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive in and discover how to make these mouthwatering Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves!

Why You’ll Love Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves

Before we get into the details of the recipe, here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this savory bread:

Perfectly Fluffy: The bread dough rises beautifully, resulting in soft, airy loaves that have just the right texture. Every bite is satisfying without being overly dense.
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil are mixed throughout the dough, giving each bite a fragrant and savory burst. The cheese melts into the bread, adding richness and depth to the flavor.
Versatile: Serve it alongside a rich soup, as an accompaniment to pasta, or toast a slice with butter for a quick snack. You can even customize the herbs and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Impressive Yet Easy: While this bread looks and tastes like it’s from a professional bakery, the recipe is surprisingly simple and beginner-friendly. You don’t need any special equipment or techniques to get it just right.

Ingredients for Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves

To make these irresistible loaves, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Bread:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1 packet (or 2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F)
3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix—use your favorite!)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or herbs of choice, such as thyme, oregano, or basil)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese (optional, for a crispy top)
Flour for dusting the work surface

Instructions for Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.

Step 5: Add the Herbs and Cheese

Once the dough is kneaded, sprinkle in the shredded cheese and herbs (rosemary, thyme, or your choice of herbs). Continue kneading until the cheese and herbs are evenly incorporated throughout the dough. This will give your bread its delicious cheesy, herbal flavor.

Step 6: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape the Loaves

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions (or more if you want smaller loaves). Shape each portion into a loaf by rolling it out into a rectangle and then folding the sides over to form a loaf shape. Pinch the seams to seal them.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place the shaped loaves onto a greased baking sheet or into loaf pans. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are slightly larger.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the loaves have risen, brush the tops lightly with olive oil and sprinkle them with a little parmesan cheese (optional) for a crispy, golden top.
Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends