Description
Homemade Italian herbs and cheese bread brings rustic Mediterranean flavors to kitchen counters. Crisp golden crust and melted cheese create perfect comfort for bread enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian culinary experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4.5 cups (1,080 ml) bread flour
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) water (warm, 100-110°F)
- ½ cup (120 ml) monterey jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup (120 ml) parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1.5 tsps active dry yeast
- 2 tsps italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsps sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water, letting it foam and develop aromatic characteristics for 10 minutes.
- Dough Formation: Blend yeast mixture with sugar, salt, and bread flour using a stand mixer with dough hook, kneading until the mixture transforms into a smooth, elastic texture.
- Shaping Preparation: Spread the developed dough on a floured surface and divide into four equal rustic bread logs, arranging them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet with adequate spacing.
- Proofing Stage: Cover the dough logs with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for 40 minutes, observing their expansion to nearly double their original volume.
- Oven Preparation and Decoration: Preheat the oven to 375°F, then delicately score three diagonal lines across each log’s surface and brush generously with melted butter to enhance golden potential.
- Seasoning and Cheese Application: Evenly distribute garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the loaves, then lavishly scatter shredded cheeses to create an enticing topping.
- Baking and Finishing: Place the prepared loaves on the middle oven rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a rich, amber-golden complexion, then transfer to a cooling rack to rest before slicing into delectable portions.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to successfully activate yeast without killing it, creating the perfect foamy environment.
- Dough Kneading Technique: Stop mixing when dough becomes smooth and springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper gluten development.
- Rising Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F to encourage optimal rising and volume expansion.
- Golden Crust Secret: Brush melted butter and cheese just before baking to create a crispy, flavorful exterior that browns beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg