Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Italian Herb Cheese Bread is a flavorful, soft loaf filled with a rich blend of cream cheese and Italian herbs. Perfect for sharing, this bread combines a tender dough with cheesy, savory goodness that’s hard to resist.

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
• 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
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried Italian herbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour 1 tablespoon at a time if too sticky. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook at medium speed for the same time.
5. Step 5: Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: While the dough rises, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl.
7. Step 7: Season the filling mixture with salt and black pepper to taste and mix well.
8. Step 8: Optional: Chill the filling for 15-20 minutes for easier spreading.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. Step 10: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
11. Step 11: Evenly spread the herb cheese filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one long edge.
12. Step 12: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
13. Step 13: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the log in half lengthwise, keeping the cut sides facing up.
14. Step 14: Gently twist the two strands together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
15. Step 15: Transfer the twisted bread to the prepared baking sheet, shaping into a circle or leaving as a long loaf.
16. Step 16: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) for the egg wash.
17. Step 17: Brush the entire surface of the bread with the egg wash.
18. Step 18: Optionally, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional Parmesan cheese, or dried Italian herbs on top.
19. Step 19: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
20. Step 20: Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley, basil, and oregano if fresh is unavailable.
• Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version, or add some shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Brush the bread with garlic butter right after baking for an extra flavorful crust.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bread for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crusty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh to avoid overpowering the bread.

Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?

Absolutely. Making the filling ahead and storing it covered in the refrigerator can save time and improves the flavor as the herbs meld. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading.

Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

This Italian Herb Cheese Bread is a deliciously soft, aromatic bread filled with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh Italian herbs. Twisted and baked to a golden brown, it’s perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite meal. The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a savory and comforting treat that’s both impressive and easy to make.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 large loaf (approx. 12–16 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 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

Filling

• 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

Toppings and Finishing

• 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 active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly to ensure even seasoning in the dough.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for the same duration. Add extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
6. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough rises, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until well combined.
7. Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to the filling mixture to adjust seasoning and mix well.
8. Chill the Filling (Optional): For easier spreading, chill the filling in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before using.
9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
10. Punch Down the Dough: Once doubled in size, gently punch down the dough to release trapped air.
11. Roll Out the Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12 x 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 long edge clear of filling to help seal the roll.
13. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it well.
14. Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log lengthwise in half. Keep the cut sides facing up.
15. Twist the Strands: Gently twist the two halves together, ensuring the cut filling sides face upward for a beautiful pattern.
16. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully move the twisted loaf to the prepared baking sheet. You may form it into a circular shape or leave it as a long loaf according to preference.
17. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk (or water) to create an egg wash that will give a glossy finish to the bread.
18. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the bread with the egg wash evenly to promote a golden crust.
19. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, additional grated Parmesan cheese, or dried Italian herbs on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
20. Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
21. Cool Slightly: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• If you do not have fresh herbs, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, basil, and oregano.
• Chilling the cheese filling makes it easier to spread and less messy.
• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time kneading by hand.
• Brush the bread with egg wash for a shiny golden crust; omit for a more rustic finish.
• Everything bagel seasoning adds texture and flavor but is optional.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Italian herb cheese bread, stuffed bread, savory bread, herb cheese bread, cream cheese bread, mozzarella bread, homemade Italian bread