Description
This Italian Herb Cheese Bread combines a soft, fluffy dough with a rich, flavorful herb cheese filling, twisted into an elegant loaf perfect for any occasion. Infused with fresh Italian herbs and a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this savory bread delivers a delicious combination of textures and tastes that pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
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
- 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 the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix using a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes. Add flour, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too sticky.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until the dough doubles in size.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to the filling mixture according to your preference and mix well until evenly combined.
- Chill the Filling (Optional): For easier spreading, chill the cheese filling in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently press it down to release excess air.
- Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the herb cheese filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one long edge to allow sealing.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam closed to seal the dough roll.
- Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log lengthwise in half, keeping the cut sides facing upward.
- Twist the Strands: Gently twist the two cut strands together, keeping the cut sides facing up to expose the filling.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully move the twisted bread onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. You can shape it into a circle or leave it as a long loaf.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water to create the egg wash.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the bread generously with the egg wash to promote golden browning.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional grated Parmesan cheese, or dried Italian herbs atop the bread as desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly. Tent with foil if the bread browns too quickly.
- 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 for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the warm water is between 105-115°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you prefer a spicier bread, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add other chili spices to the filling.
- Chilling the cheese filling makes spreading easier and prevents it from making the dough too sticky.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest flavor, but dried herbs can substitute in a pinch at half the quantity.
- Everything bagel seasoning adds a nice crunch and extra flavor, but it’s optional based on your preference.
- Allowing the bread to cool completely improves sliceability and texture.
- You can freeze the shaped but unbaked bread for up to one month; thaw and bake as directed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian herb cheese bread, stuffed bread, mozzarella bread, cream cheese bread, savory bread, homemade bread, Italian bread recipe
