Italian Cheese Bread

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Makes

1 loaf (16 pieces)

Updated: Sep. 11, 2023
People are astounded to learn that I can make my brother-in-law's Italian cheese bread in less than an hour. This recipe is a delicious and easy alternative to garlic toast. I'll sometimes use this bread as a snack or appetizer. —Sandra Wingert, Star City, Saskatchewan
Italian Cheese Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon quick-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (120° to 130°)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • TOPPING:
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup prepared Italian salad dressing
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Dash pepper
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Beat in water and oil until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 1-2 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°.
  3. Punch dough down; place on a greased 12-in. pizza pan and pat into a 12-in. circle. Brush with salad dressing. Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over top. Sprinkle with cheeses.
  4. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Italian Cheese Bread Tips

Can you use a store-bought bread dough to make Italian cheese bread instead?

Yes, you can use store-bought bread dough to save some extra time! You can also play around with different seasonings and cheeses, like basil, rosemary and an Italian cheese blend.

What can you serve with Italian cheese bread?

You can serve this homemade bread recipe with marinara sauce or ranch dressing as an appetizer. Or serve it as a side with one of our favorite Italian recipes.

How do you store Italian cheese bread?

Store this Italian cheese bread in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. You can reheat in the microwave or the oven, but the oven will provide crispier results.

—Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 171 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.