This Italian Herb and Cheese Sourdough Bread is like a warm hug! With cheesy goodness and fragrant herbs, it’s perfect for toasting or enjoying with your favorite soup.
Whenever I make this bread, the smell fills the house and truly makes everything feel cozy. It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to bake it every week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Using an active sourdough starter is key for great flavor and rise. If you don’t have one, you can make a quick yeast dough using 1 packet of instant yeast instead and adjust the rising time.
All-Purpose Flour: While I love all-purpose flour for this recipe, you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Dried Italian Herbs: The herb blend really adds flavor. If you’re missing any, no worries! Use what you have. Fresh herbs can also work well, just remember they are stronger in flavor than dried ones.
Cheese: I enjoy a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a nice melt. Feel free to switch it up; cheddar or fontina could work just as well. Vegan cheese substitutes are also available if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Knead Bread Dough Properly?
Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Here’s how to do it:
- Flour your surface lightly; add a bit more flour if it sticks.
- Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, fold it back over, turn it a quarter turn, and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
After kneading, always let your dough rest to develop flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Italian Herb and Cheese Sourdough Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) water, lukewarm
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian herb blend (such as rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 6-8 hours in total, including about 15 minutes for preparation, 4-6 hours for the first rise, 2-3 hours for the second rise, and 45 minutes for baking. While it does take a bit of time, most of it is hands-off, allowing you to go about your day while the bread rises and bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix your active sourdough starter with lukewarm water until it’s well combined. Add in the all-purpose flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, and olive oil. Stir everything together until you have a rough dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.
3. Incorporate Cheese:
After kneading, gently fold in the shredded cheese until it’s evenly mixed throughout the dough. This will add a delightful cheesy flavor to your bread!
4. First Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round boule. Transfer it to a well-floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a clean kitchen towel.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the dough again and let it proof for another 2-3 hours until it looks puffy and has risen further.
7. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven:
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. This will help achieve a perfect crust.
8. Score and Add Herbs:
Carefully transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to make 3 deep diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf. Sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs on top for added flavor and a lovely presentation.
9. Bake:
Using caution, place the dough along with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the lid and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown and crispy.
10. Cool:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and carefully place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the steam to escape and keeps the crust crispy.
Enjoy warm slices of your Italian Herb and Cheese Sourdough Bread with butter or your favorite Italian toppings. It’s delicious!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Starter?
Absolutely! Store-bought sourdough starter works great in this recipe. Just ensure it’s active and bubbly before you mix it with the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have a Dutch Oven?
No problem! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet. Just place a shallow pan with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps develop a nice crust.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread in a clean kitchen towel and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or other favorite herbs. Just be mindful of the moisture content so it doesn’t alter the dough consistency too much!
