Mama Mia Irresistible Italian Herb Cheese Swirl Bread

Mama Mia! Get Ready for Irresistible Italian Herb & Cheese Swirl Bread

Ever crave that authentic taste of Italy? Honestly, this Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese swirl bread recipe is exactly what you need.

The aroma alone will transport you to a Tuscan trattoria. It is the best cheese swirl bread recipe you will ever try!

A Slice of Italy in Your Kitchen

This isn't just any homemade bread recipe . This Italian bread recipe is a taste of history. A staple in Italian homes for generations.

It's a medium difficulty bake. Perfect for a weekend project. Prep takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, baking will last for 30 to 35 minutes.

The whole process will take around 2 hours 30 minutes. This recipe makes enough for 8-10 generous slices. Perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week if you keep it well.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Italian herb bread isn't just delicious; it's also a mood booster. It's a fantastic source of comfort and joy.

The herb and cheese filling is packed with flavor, and the aroma of baking bread is incredibly soothing. Serve it warm with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate Italian comfort food experience.

The garlic herb bread will delight everyone, i promise.

Key Ingredients You'll Need

Ready to start? You'll need simple ingredients for this easy bread recipe . Here’s a quick rundown: water, yeast, sugar, flour, salt, olive oil for the dough.

Then butter, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh herbs for that incredible filling. Don't worry if you don't have fresh herbs.

Dried Italian seasoning works too.

Bread Baking Tips for Success

One thing I learned the hard way: make sure your yeast is fresh! Expired yeast won't give you that beautiful rise.

Also, don't overbake. Dry bread is a tragedy! Keep a close eye on it in the oven. Use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

Make it Yours: Variations & Substitutions

Want to get creative? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Or try using provolone or asiago instead of mozzarella.

Get crazy and add sun-dried tomatoes to the Parmesan herb bread , you will find yourself with a total new recipe!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right then, fancy baking some bread? This Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese swirl loaf will knock your socks off! It's like a hug in bread form.

I promise, even if you’re not a baking whiz, this Italian herb bread is totally doable.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Loaf

• Warm water: 1 cup (240ml). Make sure it's between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) , alright? Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast!
• Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) aka one packet.
• Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon (13g).
• All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (315g), plus extra for dusting.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g).
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g), melted for the filling.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Go easy on it if you aren’t a big fan.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (15g), freshly grated. Fresh is best, honestly.
• Mozzarella cheese: 1/4 cup (20g), shredded.
• Fresh basil: 2 tablespoons (8g), chopped.
• Fresh oregano: 2 tablespoons (8g), chopped.
• Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon (4g), chopped.
• Dried Italian seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .

Dough Quality: For me, fresh Yeast is the most important.

Seasoning Notes: That Italian Kiss

Okay, so here’s the magic. The Parmesan herb bread filling needs a good balance. We're talking garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, and a little dried Italian seasoning for depth.

This is where you get that classic Italian bread recipe flavor.

• Essential combo: Garlic + Basil + Oregano
• Aromatics: That garlic, honestly, makes the kitchen smell amazing
• Substitution: If you don’t have fresh herbs, double the dried, but fresh is always better, right?

Equipment Needed: Simple & Sweet

• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking sheet.
• Parchment paper. This makes clean-up so much easier.
• Rolling pin.
• Pastry brush.

Equipment advice: A stand mixer is great if you have one, but honestly, Homemade bread recipe can be made kneading by hand! I found that it gave me a Easy bread recipe to make at any time.

So, that's it! Get your ingredients together, and let’s make some Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese magic happen! I promise you, the aroma of this garlic herb bread baking will have everyone drooling.

Plus you'll pick up some Bread baking tips along the way. This cheese swirl bread recipe will be a showstopper, believe me! Think about dunking it in olive oil.

.. Yum! Buon appetito !

Mama Mia! Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese Swirl Bread

Honestly, who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread? Especially when it's Italian herb bread filling your kitchen with garlicky, cheesy goodness.

This cheese swirl bread recipe is a bit of a hug in loaf form, and trust me, it's easier than you think!

Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Baking Bliss

Before you even think about getting your hands floury, let's talk mise en place . It's a fancy French term for "everything in its place," and it's a lifesaver.

Get all your ingredients measured out before you start. Chop those herbs, melt that butter, and warm up that water.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way. Oh, and make sure your warm water is between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C).

Too hot and you'll kill the yeast. Been there, done that. Not fun.

From Zero to Hero: Baking the Bread

Alright, let's get down to business! This homemade bread recipe is about to become your new go-to.

1. Wake Up the Yeast: In a bowl, mix 1 cup (240ml) warm water , 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast , and 1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes. It should get all foamy, like a cappuccino.
2. Knead the Dough: Add 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (6g) salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until it starts to come together. Then, knead it like you mean it for 5- 7 minutes.
3. Rise and Shine: Plop that dough in a bowl drizzled with olive oil. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1. 5 hours, until doubled.
4. Filling Time: While the dough is rising, melt 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter . Saute 2 cloves minced garlic in the butter until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup (15g) Parmesan cheese , 1/4 cup (20g) mozzarella cheese , 2 tablespoons (8g) chopped fresh basil , 2 tablespoons (8g) chopped fresh oregano , 1 tablespoon (4g) chopped fresh parsley , 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper . Hello, herb and cheese filling !
5. Swirl It Up: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread that cheesy, herby goodness all over. Roll it up into a log, cut it in half lengthwise, and twist those strands together. You're making an Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese masterpiece!

Level Up Your Loaf: Pro Baking Hacks

Want to take your Italian bread recipe to the next level? Here's the intel. Don't overbake the bread. Aim for a golden brown color, and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Also, for that extra garlic herb bread flavor, try brushing the loaf with garlic infused olive oil before baking. You know, just because!

Recipe Notes to Make Your Bread Amazing!

This section is all about making sure your Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese swirl bread comes out perfect every single time.

Honestly, I've made this homemade bread recipe so many times, I could probably do it with my eyes closed! But I've also learned a few things along the way that I'm happy to share.

Think of these as bread baking tips from your pal, not a lecture from a fancy chef!

Plating Perfection & Delicious Pairings

Serving Suggestions:

Let's talk presentation! First, slice that gorgeous Italian herb bread and arrange it artfully on a wooden board. I love to drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with some extra Parmesan cheese for a fancy touch.

As for sides? A simple bowl of tomato soup is chef's kiss perfect. Or, why not serve it with a charcuterie board? Load it up with Italian meats and cheeses, and you've got yourself a party.

Don't forget a crisp glass of white wine. This Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese bread is super with Chardonnay.

Keep it Fresh & Tasty

Storage Tips:

Alright, if you've got any of this bread left (and that's a big "if"), here's how to keep it scrummy.

For short term storage, wrap the cheese swirl bread recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Want to keep it longer? Slice the Italian bread recipe , wrap it well, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

To reheat, just pop a slice in the toaster or oven until warm and toasty. Just try to avoid your bread getting dry!

Twists & Turns

Variations:

One of the best things about this Easy bread recipe is how versatile it is! Want to add a kick? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb and cheese filling .

Making this Garlic herb bread Vegan? No problem! Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. For a change, chop sun-dried tomatoes and olives into your filling.

You could also try swapping the Mozzarella and Parmesan with asiago or provolone.

Know Your Dough: Nutrition

Nutrition Basics:

Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But here is something helpful and healthy! Each slice of this Parmesan herb bread has an estimated 250-300 calories.

It gives you about 8-10 grams of protein, 10-15 grams of fat, and 30-35 grams of carbohydrates. Remember this is just a guide.

Enjoy the bread, but maybe don’t eat the whole loaf in one sitting. Portion control is the key.

So there you have it! With these simple tips, you're all set to bake the best Irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese bread ever. Go on, give it a go. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

My dough isn't rising! What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, a flatbread is no good! The most common culprit is the yeast. Make sure your yeast isn't expired it should be foamy when mixed with warm water and sugar. Also, ensure your water isn't too hot; anything over 115°F (46°C) can kill the yeast.

A drafty or cold environment will also hinder the rising process, so find a warm spot for proofing.

Can I make the dough for this irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just punch it down to release the air before wrapping it tightly. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about an hour beforehand to let it warm up slightly and continue rising.

How do I store leftover Italian Herb and Cheese bread?

Leftover bread is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage slice the bread before freezing, so you can easily thaw individual slices as needed.

Just give it a quick zap in the microwave or a toast to bring it back to life!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in the filling?

You can, but fresh herbs will provide a much brighter and more vibrant flavor. If you're using dried herbs, use about half the amount specified in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Rehydrating the dried herbs in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding them to the filling can also help enhance their flavor a little chef's trick!

I'm watching my calories. Are there any ways to make this Italian Herb and Cheese bread healthier?

You can reduce the fat content by using less butter or opting for a lower fat cheese like part skim mozzarella. Substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour will add fiber and nutrients. Consider using a lighter olive oil spray instead of brushing with olive oil.

And remember, portion control is key even healthy bread is still bread!

What kind of cheese works best for this irresistible Italian Herb and Cheese bread recipe?

The recipe calls for Parmesan and Mozzarella, and they are a great classic pairing! However, you can experiment with different cheeses. Provolone offers a mild and creamy taste that complements the herbs perfectly. Asiago brings a nutty and slightly sharp flavor.

A blend of cheeses can also create a unique and interesting flavor profile. Get creative, and find what you like best!