Italian Herb Cheese Bread is the perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and a rich, savory cheese filling packed with fresh herbs. This Italian Herb Cheese Bread delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and comforting flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, golden crust with a creamy, cheesy center
- Packed with fresh Italian herbs and garlic flavor
- Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or appetizers
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Beautiful braided presentation that looks impressive
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh 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 (optional)
- Extra Parmesan and dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Activate yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast and let sit until foamy
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing into a dough
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 1–1.5 hours
- Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, garlic, and spices
- Roll dough into a rectangle and spread filling evenly
- Roll into a log, slice lengthwise, and twist
- Transfer to baking sheet and shape
- Brush with egg wash and add toppings
- Bake Italian Herb Cheese Bread at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes
- Cool slightly before serving
Tips & Tricks
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing
- Chill filling slightly for easier spreading
- Add extra mozzarella for a more gooey texture
- Substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available
- Tent with foil if browning too quickly
Details
- Prep Time 20 minutes
- Rise Time 1–1.5 hours
- Cook Time 30 minutes
- Total Time about 2 hours
- Yield 1 loaf 8–10 slices
- Category Bread
- Method Baking
- Cuisine Italian-inspired
- Difficulty Intermediate
- Diet Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor
- Pair with soups, pasta, or salads
- Can be shaped into rolls instead of a loaf
Nutrition Approximate per slice
- Calories 280
- Protein 9g
- Carbs 30g
- Fat 14g
FAQ
Can I make Italian Herb Cheese Bread ahead of time
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before baking
Can I freeze this bread
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling for up to 2 months
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh
Yes, use one-third the amount of dried herbs
Why is my dough too sticky
Add flour gradually while kneading
Can I make it without egg wash
Yes, substitute with milk or olive oil for brushing
Storage
- Store in fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze slices up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven at 300°F or microwave briefly
Similar Recipes
Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
Soft Italian Herb Cheese Bread filled with creamy cheese and herbsEasy homemade bread with mozzarella and ParmesanPerfect savory bread for any meal or gathering
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups 420g all-purpose flour
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 115g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh 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 optional
- Extra Parmesan and dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Activate yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast and let sit until foamy
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing into a dough
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 1–1.5 hours
- Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, garlic, and spices
- Roll dough into a rectangle and spread filling evenly
- Roll into a log, slice lengthwise, and twist
- Transfer to baking sheet and shape
- Brush with egg wash and add toppings
- Bake Italian Herb Cheese Bread at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes
- Cool slightly before serving
Notes
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor
- Pair with soups, pasta, or salads
- Can be shaped into rolls instead of a loaf
Conclusion
This Italian Herb Cheese Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy, savory baked goods. With its soft texture and rich herb filling, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.