How to Make Herb & Cheese Savory Bread

Master the Savory Element Integration

Balance mix-in quantity and distribution for flavor in every bite without compromising dough integrity.

Perfect the Filling Roll Technique

Create attractive spiral pattern while ensuring secure sealing to prevent filling escape during baking.

Control Moisture Balance

Manage wet ingredients like olives and tomatoes to prevent soggy spots in the finished bread.

Achieve Ideal Crust-to-Crumb Ratio

Time proofing and baking precisely for golden exterior while maintaining tender, flavorful interior.

Baking Tips

For a more rustic loaf, use a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour (2.5 cups all-purpose and 0.5 cup whole wheat).

If you prefer a loaf with a more even distribution of add-ins, try folding them into the dough instead of the jelly roll method.

For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan with water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking to create steam.

Experiment with different cheese and herb combinations - fontina with sage, feta with dill, or cheddar with chives all work beautifully.

This dough can also be divided to make dinner rolls or shaped into a boule and baked in a preheated Dutch oven for artisan-style bread.

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.

For a quick version, use a store-bought pizza dough as your base and add the savory fillings.

Herb & Cheese Savory Bread

Name: Herb & Cheese Savory Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 1 large loaf (12 servings)
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, European
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C); 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl and brushing; 1 cup shredded cheese (combination of cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan); 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely diced and sautéed until translucent; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Coarse sea salt for topping; 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

A rustic, aromatic loaf packed with herbs, cheese, and savory additions that create layers of flavor in every slice. This versatile Savory Bread features a tender crumb studded with pockets of melted cheese, fragrant herbs, and savory mix-ins like olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect as an accompaniment to soups and stews, as a base for sandwiches, or simply enjoyed warm with a spread of butter, this bread brings sophisticated flavor to the table with minimal effort.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

50 Minutes

Total Time

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl and brushing

1 cup shredded cheese (combination of cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan)

1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely diced and sautéed until translucent

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Coarse sea salt for topping

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Whisk together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the warm water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4-5 minutes.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat both sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

While the dough is rising, prepare your savory additions if not already done: chop olives and sun-dried tomatoes, mince garlic, sauté onions until translucent, and gather herbs and spices.

After the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a large rectangle, about 12 x 8 inches.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, fresh and dried herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the dough surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll, pinching the seam and ends to seal. Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Alternatively, you can fold the dough over the fillings and knead them gently into the dough, then shape into a round loaf or place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Cover again and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Just before baking, brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 shallow diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf.

Bake for 30-35 minutes for a round loaf or 40-50 minutes for a loaf pan, until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to set.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Herb & Cheese Savory Bread

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Herb & Cheese Savory Bread

Herb & Cheese Savory Bread

Ingredients

Instructions