Heart-Healthy Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

Elevate your homemade bread game with this Heart-Healthy Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, a wholesome twist on a classic loaf that pairs rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. Made with nutrient-packed whole wheat flour, heart-friendly olive oil, and a touch of natural sweetness from honey, this bread is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Infused with aromatic dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder, every bite bursts with savory Italian herb goodness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a luscious, golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, a side to soups, or simply toasted with olive oil, this easy-to-make bread only requires 25 minutes of prep and bakes to perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for health-conscious home bakers, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups Whole wheat flour
• 2.5 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add olive oil, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture and mix well.

Step 3

Gradually add whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the mixture forms a dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, incorporating additional flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate it gently. Shape it into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the loaf, pressing slightly to adhere.

Step 9

Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.

Step 10

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(846.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1793.1

Total Fat 47.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3066.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 300.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.9g	0%
Total Sugars 36.2g
Protein 67.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 589.3mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 1664.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.3%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 63.4%