There’s something undeniably charming about the process of bread making. The rhythmic kneading of the dough, the intoxicating aroma of baking bread wafting through the kitchen, and the anticipation of slicing into that warm, golden crust—all these aspects bring back memories of sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She always had a way of turning simple ingredients into something magical. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that pays homage to those memories—a delicious Italian Herbs & Cheese Artisan Sourdough Bread that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 45 minutes
- Total Duration: 4-6 hours (plus 30-35 minutes baking time)
- Portion Size: Serves 8
- Complexity: Moderate
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 220
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fats: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
Why You’ll Love This Italian Herbs & Cheese Artisan Sourdough Bread
Imagine biting into crusty, artisan bread that’s both savory and cheesy, with a hint of fragrant Italian herbs. Each slice promises a delightful combination of textures—from the crunchy crust to the soft, airy center that’s studded with melted cheese. Perfect as a standalone snack, paired with a hearty soup, or transformed into a gourmet sandwich, this bread elevates any meal and brings that genuine Italian flavor to your table. Plus, making sourdough at home is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.
The Complete Cooking Journey
This isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure! From mixing and kneading to shaping and baking, each step is an integral part of creating a loaf that speaks of warmth and tradition. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art of bread-making as you watch your dough come to life, rise, and transform into something beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan)
Method:
Step 1: Gather & Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and Italian herbs. This will infuse your bread with aromatic flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the sourdough starter and water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms—don’t worry if it looks a little messy; that’s just the nature of sourdough!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth. This hands-on effort develops the gluten, giving your bread its delightful structure.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese
In the final minutes of kneading, incorporate the shredded cheese into the dough. This will ensure that delicious cheesy bites are spread throughout your loaf.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 4-6 hours or until it has doubled in size. This is the moment when your dough transforms into something fluffy and alive!
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Get ready for the most delightful aromatics to fill your home!
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Once risen, shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is your bread’s debut!
Step 8: Rest Before Baking
Allow the dough to rest while the oven heats up. This final rise will help create a beautifully airy bread.
Step 9: Score & Bake
With a sharp blade, score the top of the bread to assist in even rising. Bake for 30-35 minutes until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. The waiting is the hardest part—trust me, it’s worth it!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Slice it up and serve it with a warm bowl of tomato soup, or enjoy it as a decadent sandwich base with roasted vegetables and fresh basil. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the toaster or microwave to revive that fresh-baked taste!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best results.
- Humidity Control: If your kitchen is particularly dry, consider adding a bit more water to the dough.
- Temperature Matter: Dough can rise faster in a warm kitchen—ideal for quicker prep!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheeses! A sprinkle of garlic powder can add a nice depth, while incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives could infuse Mediterranean flavors.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Q: My bread didn’t rise. What happened?
A: Check the activity level of your sourdough starter; it should be bubbly and active. - Q: How do I know when my bread is done baking?
A: A hollow sound when tapped on the bottom and a nice golden-brown crust indicates it’s ready. - Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
A: Absolutely! Just be prepared for a denser loaf. - Q: What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
A: Add a little more flour, but do it gradually to avoid overworking the dough. - Q: How can I enhance the flavor of my sourdough?
Consider adding spices or herbs based on your preference or experiment with different cheese options!
Wrapping Up
Baking Italian Herbs & Cheese Artisan Sourdough Bread is not just a culinary task; it’s a way to connect with the joy of cooking and the warmth of sharing. As you embark on this baking journey, remember to enjoy the process. Celebrate the kneading, the rising, and especially the first bite of that heavenly loaf you crafted with your own hands. Happy baking!
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Italian Herbs & Cheese Artisan Sourdough Bread
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious artisan sourdough bread infused with Italian herbs and melted cheese, perfect for snacking or as a gourmet sandwich base.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and Italian herbs.
- Add the sourdough starter and water to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate the shredded cheese into the dough during the last minutes of kneading.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow the dough to rest while the oven heats up.
- Score the top of the bread with a sharp blade.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Store in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Use active sourdough starter for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
