Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe

There is something undeniably magnetic about the aroma of Italian herbs and toasted cheese wafting from a hot oven. This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe is designed to bring that iconic, bakery-quality experience directly to your kitchen, offering a loaf that is significantly better than anything you’ll find at a deli counter.

Try More Bread Recipes:

• Braided Italian Bread Recipe
• Traditional Italian Bread Recipe
• Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Why You Will Love This Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Recipe:

• Irresistible Aroma: The combination of dried oregano, basil, and garlic fills your home with a scent that rivals any professional Italian bakery.
• The Perfect Texture: You get the best of both worlds—a pillowy-soft interior that’s perfect for soaking up sauces and a golden, cheesy crust that provides a satisfying crunch.
• Better Than the Deli: If you’re a fan of the famous subway-style loaves, this version offers a far superior flavor profile without the additives or preservatives found in commercial bread.
• Customizable Cheese Blend: While Parmesan and Monterey Jack are classics, this recipe is flexible enough to handle sharp Cheddar or even a hint of Pecorino Romano for extra bite.
• Ultimate Versatility: It’s the “Swiss Army Knife” of breads—use it to elevate a basic ham and cheese sub, serve it alongside a bowl of pasta, or simply enjoy it warm with a pat of salted butter.
• Impressive Yet Accessible: Despite looking like it came from a gourmet shop, the technique is straightforward enough for beginner bakers to achieve a professional-looking loaf.
• Storage Friendly: This bread holds its moisture remarkably well, meaning it tastes just as good toasted the next day as it does fresh out of the oven.

Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How To Make Italian Herb And Cheese Bread

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough: Stir in the olive oil, salt, and two cups of bread flour. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and rest: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
4. Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch long cylinder and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Score and top: Cut shallow diagonal slits across the tops of the loaves. Brush lightly with water, then press the shredded cheeses, oregano, and garlic powder onto the top of each loaf.
6. Second rise: Cover the loaves loosely with a damp towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
7. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and crispy. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Check water temperature: If your water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Aim for lukewarm water around 110°F.
• Use bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than regular flour, giving the loaf that classic chewy sandwich shop texture.
• Press the toppings firmly: Gently pat the cheese and herbs down into the dough so they adhere better during the baking process.
• Do not rush the rise: A properly proofed dough is essential for a light, airy crumb instead of a dense loaf.

What To Serve With Italian Herb And Cheese Bread?

This savory, herby loaf is the ultimate companion for hearty Italian classics. Pair it with a rich Marinara or creamy Alfredo pasta to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a warm bowl of Tomato Basil soup. It also makes a phenomenal base for meatball subs or a gourmet turkey club. Whether dipping it into balsamic oil or building a sandwich, this bread elevates every single bite.

How To Store Leftovers Italian Herb And Cheese Bread?

Store the baked bread in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled loaves in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

How To Reheat Leftovers Italian Herb And Cheese Bread?

To keep your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread from becoming tough or rubbery, the best method is using a conventional oven; wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, opening the foil for the final two minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheesy crust. For a faster option, place a slice in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel and heat in 15-second bursts; the moisture from the towel creates a steam pocket that ensures the bread stays pillowy-soft rather than drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you do not have bread flour. The texture will just be slightly less chewy.
• What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese? You can easily swap in mild cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? You can let the dough do its first rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping the loaves.
• Why did my cheese burn in the oven? If your oven runs hot, the cheese might brown too quickly. You can tent the loaves loosely with foil halfway through baking.

More Bread Recipes:

• Keto Italian Bread Recipe
• Quick and Crispy Toasted Italian Bread Recipe
• Easy Small Batch Italian Bread For Two

Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Nutrition Fact

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 33g
• Protein: 8g

Italian Herb And Cheese Bread

Recipe by PaulaCourse: Italian Bread Recipes, Lunch, Dinner, SidesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

5

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

Total time

2

hours 

20

minutes

Copycat Subway Italian Herb And Cheese Bread features soft, fluffy textures and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Made with bread flour and savory garlic powder, it is ready in about 1 hour 40 minutes for easy weeknight sandwich building.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups bread flour

• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

• 1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
• 2. Mix the dough: Stir in the olive oil, salt, and two cups of bread flour. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
• 3. Knead and rest: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
• 4. Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch long cylinder and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• 5. Score and top: Cut shallow diagonal slits across the tops of the loaves. Brush lightly with water, then press the shredded cheeses, oregano, and garlic powder onto the top of each loaf.
• 6. Second rise: Cover the loaves loosely with a damp towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• 7. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and crispy. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.