This Italian cheese and herb bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with savory flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, brushed with olive oil, and topped with Italian seasoning and melted cheese, it’s a bread recipe that feels special without being complicated.

This recipe makes four small loaves, which makes it perfect for serving with dinner, sharing with family, or saving a couple for later. It’s one of those breads that’s best served warm, straight from the oven, but it also reheats beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

• Makes 4 small loaves
• Soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden, cheesy top
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Perfect as a side dish or served on its own
• Great for family dinners or sharing

This bread pairs especially well with soups, pasta dishes, or hearty dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a classic yeast dough flavored with Italian seasoning and topped with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Brushing the tops with olive oil before baking helps the cheese adhere and gives the loaves a beautiful golden finish.

👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Italian Cheese & Herb Bread

Start by activating the yeast in warm water with a little honey or sugar. Once foamy, mix in the remaining ingredients and gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.

After kneading, let the dough rise until doubled in size. Then divide it into four equal pieces, shape each into a loaf, and allow them to rise again briefly. Before baking, brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle generously with cheese and Italian seasoning.

Bake until golden and cooked through, then allow the loaves to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Cheese & Herb Bread

• Use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t over-flour the dough. It should be soft and slightly tacky.
• Brush with olive oil generously so the toppings stick and brown evenly.
• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Italian Cheese & Herb Bread

5 from 1 vote

This Italian cheese and herb bread is soft, fluffy, and full of savory flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a blend of cheeses, this recipe makes four small loaves that are perfect for dinner or sharing.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Rise Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 loaves

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup warm water 110°F
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 3 –3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing tops
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Italian seasoning to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese to taste
• Shredded Parmesan cheese to taste

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey (or sugar). Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add the olive oil, egg, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, starting with 3 cups, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add additional flour as needed until the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
7. Shape each piece into a loaf and place on a greased baking sheet or in loaf pans.
8. Cover loosely and let the loaves rise again for 15 minutes.
9. Lightly brush or spread olive oil over the tops of the loaves, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and additional Italian seasoning if desired.
10. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• This recipe makes 4 small loaves.
• Cheese amounts can be adjusted based on preference.
• Italian seasoning can be mixed into the dough or added on top for extra flavor.
• Best served warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the loaves ahead of time and store them at room temperature or freeze them for later. Reheat before serving for best results.

Can I change the cheese?

Absolutely. Mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian blend work well. You can adjust the amounts based on preference.

Why does this recipe make four loaves?

Dividing the dough into four smaller loaves helps them bake evenly and makes them easy to serve or share.

Can I use this dough for rolls instead?

Yes. You can divide the dough into smaller portions and shape into rolls, adjusting bake time as needed.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

Allow the bread to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat slices or whole loaves in a 300°F oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 15–20 seconds.

Freezer Instructions

Freezing

Once fully cooled, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thawing and Reheating

Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to restore softness and warmth.