Elevate your bread-baking game with this **Heart-Healthy Italian Herb and Cheese Bread**, a nourishing twist on a classic favorite! Made with wholesome **whole wheat flour** and heart-friendly **olive oil**, this loaf is bursting with the savory flavors of **oregano, basil, and garlic powder**, perfectly balanced with a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Topped with a golden layer of **grated Parmesan cheese**, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This homemade bread is impressively easy to make, featuring a simple kneading technique and a rewarding rise time. Ideal for sandwiches, soup pairing, or as a standalone snack, this recipe guarantees a deliciously soft, aromatic loaf thatβs as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional bread, this recipe is a must-try for hearty flavor and wholesome ingredients.
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.
Add olive oil, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture and mix well.
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.
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.
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.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
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.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the loaf, pressing slightly to adhere.
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.
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.
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.
Calories |
1793 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.0 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3066 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.5 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 45.9 g | 164% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.2 g | ||
| Protein | 67.6 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 589 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1664 mg | 35% | |
*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.