This Easy Italian cheese bread recipe is proof that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With melty cheese, Italian seasoning, and that golden crust, this easy Italian cheese bread recipe is a family favorite and one of the best breads to serve warm and share.
If you’ve ever craved those famous Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread sticks, this original recipe is the perfect copycat—crispy edges, soft bread inside, and a gloriously golden cheesy topping.
The dough is similar to pizza dough—soft, stretchy, and easy to work with. Just hand-press it into a rectangular pan, top it generously with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, and bake until bubbly.
This cheesy bread is an Italian-inspired dish that delivers all the comfort and flavor of the best bread—perfect for any casual meal or get-together.
Ingredients
- 390 g (3 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Instant Yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 240 ml (1 cup) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 122 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 25 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme)
- Extra olive oil for brushing
Ingredient Notes:
Yeast: This recipe uses instant yeast, which doesn’t require blooming and can be mixed directly with the flour. If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need 2 ¼ teaspoons. To activate it, dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar from the recipe. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Water: Make sure the water is warm, not hot—about 110°F (43°C)—to activate the yeast without killing it.
Mozzarella Cheese: Go for low-moisture mozzarella for best melt and texture. You can also use a pizza blend or even add a little cheddar for extra flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: You can swap Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or Pecorino cheese for a sharper, saltier flavor. Alternatively, Parmigiano Reggiano can be used for a richer, more authentic Italian taste. Freshly grated cheese is always better than the pre-packaged kind for the best flavor and texture.
Italian Herbs: Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme, or just a store-bought Italian seasoning blend.
Garlic Powder: Optional, but adds a subtle garlic flavor to complement the herbs and cheese. You can also brush the bread with fresh garlic-infused olive oil or garlic butter after baking for a stronger garlic kick similar to cheesy garlic bread recipe.
👉 Don’t forget to scroll to the end of the post to print the full recipe card for this easy Italian cheese bread!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Mix well (image 1).
Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a soft dough forms (image 2).
If using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast: Dissolve it in 1/2 cup warm water along with the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, then proceed to add the flour, salt, rest of the water and olive oil.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic (image 3).
For an easier mixing process, you can use the bowl of a stand mixer at medium speed fitted with a dough hook attachment.
👉 Refer to our video for a quick visual guide on how to knead the dough perfectly.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size (image 4).
Step 4: Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Line a 9x13-inch rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and use your hands to press and stretch it evenly to the edges (image 5).
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano), Italian herbs, and garlic powder (if using) evenly over the surface of the dough (image 6).
🕒 Cover the pan with a clean tea towel and let the dough rest for a second proof of 15–20 minutes before baking.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the bread in the preheated oven using both top and bottom rods for 20 minutes. Then turn off the bottom rod and with the top rod on and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the edges are golden brown and crispy (image 7).
📌 Total baking time: ~25 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the Italian cheese bread cool in the pan for a few minutes. Slice into 14 squares or sticks and serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic dip, or your favorite spread (image 8).
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To refresh the texture, lightly sprinkle with water and reheat in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread in a sealed container or wrapped in aluminum foil for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, sprinkle a small amount of water on top and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-8 minutes to bring back its softness.
- Freezer: You can freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and store in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
➤ To reheat: Thaw at room temperature and then lightly sprinkle with water before warming it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-8 minutes.
Best Tips
- Instant yeast is the way to go for ease, as it can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without the need for proofing.
- Make sure the dough is properly hydrated; it should feel moist and a bit tacky to the touch, but not overly sticky.
- Always opt for freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more evenly and has a richer flavor.
- Don't skip the second proofing; allowing the dough to rest for 15–20 minutes after shaping ensures a light and airy texture.
- You can play around with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even Cheddar to create your own flavor twist.
- Be mindful of the baking time; bake for 20–25 minutes to get bubbly cheese and a golden crust without over-baking.
- Preheating the oven is key; starting with a hot oven ensures that the bread bakes evenly and gets the best rise.
- Let the bread rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to settle before slicing into clean, neat pieces.
- If you have any leftovers, reheat them by lightly sprinkling water to maintain the softness and melty cheese texture.
- For quick preparation when you're in a rush or preparing for a potluck or party, feel free to use store-bought pizza dough to save time without compromising flavor.
How to Serve
This Italian Cheese Bread makes an excellent appetizer, side dish, or snack. It pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce or garlic butter sauce for dipping, adding a burst of flavor.
For a complete meal, serve it alongside pasta dishes, especially those with tomato-based or creamy sauces. It also works great with a fresh salad or a bowl of hearty soup, like tomato or minestrone, for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to make the process quicker and easier, especially for potlucks or parties. Just follow the same steps for shaping and topping with cheese and herbs
Yes, you can freeze the dough. After the first rise, shape it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, let it rest, and continue with the recipe as usual.
You can try using Pecorino Romano, Cheddar, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with a combination of cheeses to suit your taste.
Absolutely! You can add toppings like pepperoni, olives, or sautéed vegetables. Just make sure not to overload the dough so it bakes evenly.
Related Recipes
Wish to Join US for the love of BAKING? Subscribe to our newsletter and Youtube channel. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!
Quick and Easy Italian Cheese Bread recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Salt
- 390 gms (3+1/4 cups) Flour
- 2 tsp Instant Yeast
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 240 ml (1 cup) Lukewarm Water about 110°F / 43°C
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 122 gms (1 cup) Shredded Mozarella Cheese
- 25 gms (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder optional
- 1 tbsp Dried Italian Herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Mix well. Add warm water and olive oil, and stir until a soft dough forms.If using active dry yeast: Dissolve it in ½ cup warm water with the sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy, then proceed with adding flour, salt, remaining water, and olive oil.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.Tip: You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed. Refer to our video for a quick kneading guide.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough gently. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment and lightly grease it. Press and stretch dough evenly to the edges.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Herbs
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan or Pecorino, Italian herbs, and optional garlic powder over the dough. Cover and let it rest for 15–20 minutes for a second rise.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake with both top and bottom rods on for 20 minutes. Then turn off the bottom rod, and bake for another 5 minutes with just the top rod on until cheese is golden and edges are crispy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let bread cool slightly in the pan. Slice into 14 pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce, olive oil or garlic dip.
Video
Notes
- Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for best flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of red chili flakes or crushed black pepper for extra kick.
- Brush the top with melted butter or olive oil before serving for an extra golden touch.
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Great as a side to pasta, soup, or as a snack with dips.
- Use store-bought pizza dough to save time, especially when making a large batch for potlucks or gatherings. It bakes up just as delicious with all the cheesy flavor!
Leave a Reply