Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
Quick Answer
Mix 3 cups flour, 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp yeast, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1½ cups warm water. Fold in 1 cup mozzarella + ½ cup Parmesan + 3 minced garlic cloves. Rise 12-18 hrs. Shape, rise 1 hr. Bake in preheated Dutch oven 450°F: 30 min covered, 15 min uncovered.
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 15, 2026
A crusty artisan-style bread loaded with Italian herbs, roasted garlic, and pockets of melted mozzarella and Parmesan throughout. This no-knead bread requires just 5 minutes of active work — mix the dough, let it rise, and bake in a Dutch oven for a bakery-quality loaf.
The steam created inside the Dutch oven gives the bread its signature crispy, crackling crust while keeping the interior soft and airy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour, salt, yeast, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms (no kneading needed).
- 2
Fold in cubed mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic.
- 3
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature 12-18 hours until doubled and bubbly.
- 4
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a round ball by folding edges toward the center. Place on parchment paper, seam-side down.
- 5
Cover and let rise 1 hour. Place a Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
- 6
Carefully transfer dough (on parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake 30 minutes.
- 7
Remove lid and bake 15 more minutes until deep golden brown.
- 8
Cool on a wire rack at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this need such a long rise?
The slow rise (12-18 hours) develops complex flavors and a better crumb structure. The small amount of yeast does the work slowly.
Do I need a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is strongly recommended — the trapped steam creates the crispy crust. A baking stone with a steam tray is the alternative.
Can I speed up the rise?
Use 1 tsp yeast and rise in a warm spot for 2-3 hours. The flavor won't be as complex but it works.
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