Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves

Instructions: How to Make Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to combine, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with the olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and no longer sticky.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Cheese and Herb Filling:
   • While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese and herb filling. In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and minced garlic. Set aside.
5. Shape the Loaves:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out one portion into a rectangular shape about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide.
   • Sprinkle half of the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one edge, roll the dough up tightly to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal the dough, then tuck the ends under to form a loaf shape. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
6. Second Rise:
   • Place both loaves on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, or until they have puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
7. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with olive oil to help create a golden, crispy crust.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you like your bread with extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Once the loaves are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for the Perfect Herb and Cheese Bread

• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds great flavor, but you can use any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are key to the aroma and flavor of this bread. Choose a variety of herbs that complement each other—rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil all work beautifully in this recipe.
• Storage: This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it will stay fresh for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To reheat, just wrap it in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Make it your own: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add roasted garlic to the filling for a deeper, sweeter taste. For a slightly lighter loaf, use part whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves are the perfect combination of comfort and gourmet flavor. The soft, fluffy interior of the bread, paired with the rich, melty cheese and the fragrant herbs, creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving it with a warm bowl of soup, as part of a holiday feast, or simply enjoying it with butter, this bread is guaranteed to impress.

It’s a wonderful bread for special occasions or just to enjoy with your family. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple to make yet yields a sophisticated, flavorful loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So, the next time you’re craving a bread that’s a little more exciting than your everyday loaf, give Herb and Cheese Bread Loaves a try. It’s the bread you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to live without!