High Protein Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

Elevate your bread game with this irresistibly flavorful High Protein Italian Herb and Cheese Bread! Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, and whey protein isolate, this artisanal loaf combines a soft, pillowy texture with a powerful protein boost. Infused with fragrant dried Italian herbs and studded with savory Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, every bite delivers a burst of classic Italian flavors. Perfect for meal prep or as a hearty side, this golden-crusted bread is versatile enough to pair with soups, salads, or to craft nutrition-packed sandwiches. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe offers a nutritious, high-protein twist on traditional bread baking—ideal for busy home bakers seeking a healthier, delicious option!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup Warm water
• 1 package Active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1.5 cups Whole wheat flour
• 0.25 cup Vital wheat gluten
• 0.5 cup Whey protein isolate
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1.5 tablespoons Dried Italian herbs
• 0.75 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Mozzarella cheese
• 1 large Egg, beaten

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast starts to foam.

Step 2

Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and mix gently.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, whey protein isolate, salt, and dried Italian herbs.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a dough begins to form.

Step 5

Stir in the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, and continue to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more whole wheat flour.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough, then transfer it to a floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.

Step 8

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes, until nearly doubled.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg, which will give the bread a nice golden crust when baked.

Step 11

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 12

Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Step 13

Serve the bread as a delicious side or use it to make high-protein sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(790.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1915.5

Total Fat 68.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 305mg	0%
Sodium 5122.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.5g	0%
Total Sugars 39.3g
Protein 163.1g	0%

Vitamin D 40IU	0%
Calcium 1495.8mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 1399.8mg	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: 31.0%

Protein: 32.6%

Carbs: 36.4%