Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
A flavorful bread infused with Italian herbs and studded with a blend of cheeses, reminiscent of Subway's sandwich bread.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Bread
- 500 g bread flour approximately 4 cups
- 235 g water 1 cup, warm (100°F-110°F)
- 100 g whole milk ⅓ cup, at room temperature
- 12 g salt 2 teaspoons
- 7 g active dry yeast 2¼ teaspoons
- 5 g sugar 1 teaspoon
- 1 tablespoon mixed Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded cheese mix Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella blend
- 1 teaspoon additional Italian seasoning for topping, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water, mix well, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbles and foam form, indicating activation.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine bread flour, Italian seasoning, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and room temperature milk.
- If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on low speed for 7-8 minutes until smooth and shiny. If kneading by hand, stir the mixture until a rough, sticky mass forms, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Mix shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Punch down the risen dough, transfer to a floured surface, and shape into a round. Divide into three equal parts and shape into three small loaves.
- Place shaped bread on a parchment-lined tray, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) once bread has risen.
- Sprinkle cheese mixture over proofed bread, leaving a small border. Add dried Italian herbs on top.
- Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool on racks for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a crispier crust, consider brushing the loaves with olive oil before baking. Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
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