Easy Bread Machine Recipes: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
I’ll be honest—my bread machine is one of my most-used kitchen gadgets. It takes the guesswork out of bread-making, letting me enjoy fresh loaves without spending hours kneading and waiting. One of the first recipes I experimented with was this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, and let me tell you, it quickly became a family favorite.
The first time I made it, I accidentally measured the flour a little heavy, and the loaf turned out more dense than fluffy. Since then, I’ve learned to spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly—such a small adjustment, but it makes a huge difference. Now every loaf comes out perfectly soft with that irresistible cheesy-herb crust.
If you’ve ever loved the Italian Herb & Cheese bread at Subway, this recipe will give you that same aroma and flavor—straight from your bread machine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour if that’s what you have)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or bread machine yeast)
For topping (optional but delicious):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free shreds.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend designed for bread machines.
- Healthier option: Swap half the flour with whole-wheat flour.
- Cheese swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for variety.
Instructions / Method
- Layer ingredients in the bread machine: Add the warm water and olive oil first. Then add flour, sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Finally, please make a small well in the flour and add the yeast (keeping it away from the liquid).
- Select cycle: Choose the “Basic” or “White Bread” setting on your bread machine. Select the loaf size (usually 1 ½ lb works perfectly) and crust preference (I like medium or dark for this bread).
- Let the machine work: Sit back and let the bread machine do its magic—kneading, rising, and baking.
- Add topping (optional): If your bread machine has a signal for add-ins, sprinkle in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan during that stage. Otherwise, brush the finished loaf with butter or olive oil, then sprinkle with the herb-cheese topping while still warm.
- Cool & slice: Allow the loaf to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the bread soft and fluffy.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid:
- Always measure flour correctly—spoon and level instead of scooping.
- Don’t let the yeast touch salt or water directly when adding to the machine (it may kill the yeast).
- If your bread machine has a “dough” cycle, you can use it to make the dough, then bake it in the oven for a cheesier topping.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Bread machine time: 3 hours (varies by model)
- Total time: ~3 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices)
Serving Suggestions
- Slice and use for homemade sandwiches (it makes the best grilled cheese!).
- Serve alongside soups like tomato basil or creamy potato.
- Toast and top with butter, garlic, or bruschetta mix.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store in an airtight bag at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Toast straight from frozen for quick use.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour gives a chewier, more bakery-style loaf.
How do I keep the bread soft?
Brush the top with olive oil or butter right after baking and cover loosely with a towel while it cools.
Can I make this without a bread machine?
Absolutely—just mix and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, let it rise, shape, and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Can I add cheese to the dough itself?
Yes! Toss in ½ cup shredded cheese during the add-in cycle, or knead it in before baking for a cheesier loaf.
What if my bread collapses in the machine?
This usually means too much liquid or yeast. Double-check your measurements and ensure your yeast is fresh.
A Note from My Table to Yours
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is proof that bread machine recipes don’t have to be plain or boring. The herbs, garlic, and cheesy topping make every slice irresistible—and it’s so easy to throw together. Once you make this, it’s hard to go back to store-bought loaves.
So dust off that bread machine, measure carefully, and let it do the heavy lifting. You’ll be rewarded with a golden, herby, cheesy loaf that smells like heaven and tastes even better.
Easy Bread Machine Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water about 110°F / 43°C
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for richer flavor
- 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
- For topping optional but delicious:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for brushing
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Layer ingredients in the bread machine (order matters): pour warm water and olive oil into the pan first. Add flour, then sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast (keeping yeast away from the liquid).
- Select cycle: Choose the “Basic” or “White Bread” setting. Select your loaf size (1½ lb commonly) and crust preference. Start the machine.
- Add cheese (if machine has an add-in beep): When the machine signals for add-ins, add half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan so some cheese is incorporated into the dough. If there’s no signal, you can skip or add cheese after baking.
- Finish & top (if not added earlier): When the loaf is finished, remove it from the pan. Brush the top with olive oil or butter while warm, then sprinkle remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and paprika. For extra melt and browning, you can place the topped loaf under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
- Cool & slice: Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets.
