Three Cheese Italian Bread
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I know, I know—another bread recipe from me? You bet! I must say, you are definitely going to love how quick and easy this three cheese Italian bread is. The short version of the recipe is as follows: yeast, water, sugar, let it sit for 10 minutes, then add flour, salt, herbs, let it sit for another 10 minutes, spread into a pan, add cheese, bake for 15-20 minutes, and enjoy. Yes, it really is that simple!
And the best part? You can have this delicious bread ready to eat in just 45 minutes, all without using rapid yeast—just good old active dry yeast. Why wouldn’t you make it? Not to mention the cheesy goodness on top. Seriously, this bread is a game-changer. I must emphasize it’s best if you eat this bread on the day you make it. However, it also shines as the base for a big sandwich that you can slice into cute wedges.
You can even get creative with the toppings—try mixing up the cheese and use Asiago or tweak the recipe for a jalapeno cheese version. Love it, love it, must try it. Next time, I think I’ll bump up the herbs and garlic to 3/4 teaspoon each for an extra burst of flavor. So go ahead, make a loaf of this three-cheese Italian bread, grab a slice, and slather a bit of butter on it. Your taste buds will be eternally grateful.
Ingredients for Three Cheese Italian Bread
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- YEAST
- WARM WATER
- SUGAR
- SALT
- VEGETABLE OR OLIVE OIL
- DRIED ROSEMARY
- DRIED OREGANO
- GARLIC POWDER
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
- PARMESAN CHEESE
Instructions for Three Cheese Italian Bread
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the sugar and stir. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until foamy bubbles appear sporadically.
Prepare the Dough: Add salt, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well until the dough is smooth. I do this in my stand mixer. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Pan: Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into a round cake pan, making sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Place the dough in the pan and spread it out evenly, gently poking your fingers into the dough.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the dough evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. For a nice presentation, sprinkle a little oregano or parsley on top if you’d like.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese starts to turn golden brown. Once baked, sprinkle the bread with Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer or have on hand. Popular options include provolone, gouda, asiago cheese, or even a mix of your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor combination.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices such as basil, thyme, or even red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the yeast and other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before spreading it in the pan and proceeding with the recipe.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done baking when the cheese on top turns golden brown and the edges of the bread are slightly crispy. You can also gently tap the bottom of the bread; it should sound hollow when done.
For more recipes like this, try:
Three Cheese Italian Bread
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pkg yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil I used olive oil
- ½ tsp dried rosemary I’m gonna up the rosemary, oregano, and garlic next time to 3/4 tsp each
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅛ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large bowl or mixer dissolve the yeast in warm water, then add sugar and stir. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until foamy bubbles appear sporadically.
- Add salt, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and flour; mix well until dough is smooth. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
- With remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, pour it into a round cake pan and coat the bottom and sides leaving no area untouched. Place the dough in the pan and spread it out evenly slightly poking your fingers down into the dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, then cheddar. Go ahead and sprinkle a little oregano (I used parsley) on at this point if you’d like for presentation purposes.
- Bake in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese starts to turn golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
