Zesty Italian Herb Cheese Bread (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough Base

01 - 375g all-purpose flour
02 - 12.5g granulated sugar
03 - 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 5g fine sea salt
05 - 240ml warm water (approx. 43°C)
06 - 30ml olive oil

→ Flavoring & Filling

07 - 110g shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 50g shredded Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
11 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - Combine 240ml warm water, 12.5g granulated sugar, and 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow to stand for 5–10 minutes until a foamy layer appears on the surface, indicating yeast activation.
02 - Incorporate 30ml olive oil, 5g fine sea salt, and 315g of the all-purpose flour into the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
03 - Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 60g of flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until its volume has doubled.
05 - Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. On a clean surface, knead in the 110g shredded mozzarella, 50g shredded Parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and the optional ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes until evenly distributed.
06 - Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 23x13 cm (9x5 inch) loaf pan. Cover and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
08 - Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
09 - Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before carefully removing it. Slice and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Utilize a premium quality olive oil for an enhanced flavor profile.
02 - For a more tender crumb, incorporate 15g (1 tablespoon) of softened butter into the dough mixture.
03 - Explore different cheese varieties, such as provolone, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses, to customize the flavor.
04 - To achieve a crispier crust, brush the loaf with melted butter or olive oil prior to baking.
05 - Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extended storage, freeze the bread. Reheat slices in an oven or toaster for optimal freshness.

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