A golden-brown loaf of bread, topped with melted cheese and fragrant herbs.

Herb and Cheese Thunderstorm Bread

Category Main Course
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Style Italian
Technique Baking
Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: July 04, 2023

What's interesting about this recipe is that it combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with a seasonal twist. Inspired by the heavy thunderstorm in New York City, we're making a delicious Italian-inspired bread that will surely warm your soul. This recipe features fresh herbs, tangy cheese, and a touch of spice to create a flavorful and aromatic bread that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients (for 4)

Preparation

  1. Step 1 - πŸ₯£πŸŒŠβ°
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2 - πŸŒΎπŸ§‚πŸ₯„
    Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until the dough comes together.
  3. Step 3 - πŸ‘‹πŸ’ͺ🍞
    Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Step 4 - πŸ₯–πŸžπŸŒ‘️
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5 - πŸ”₯🌑️
    Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
  6. Step 6 - πŸ₯–πŸ’₯πŸ“
    Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Step 7 - πŸŒΏπŸ§€πŸŒΆοΈ
    Sprinkle the chopped herbs evenly over the dough, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes.
  8. Step 8 - πŸ”₯πŸžπŸ•’
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Step 9 - β„οΈπŸžπŸ΄
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  10. Step 10 - πŸ˜‹πŸžπŸŒΏ
    Enjoy the Herb and Cheese Thunderstorm Bread while it's still warm and aromatic!

Additional

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and cheeses for your desired flavor. This bread pairs well with a bowl of warm soup and a glass of red wine. Get the whole family involved by letting kids help with kneading the dough or sprinkling the toppings.