Italian cheese bread is a delightful dish with the pleasant cheesy aroma and amazing taste. It is a simple and quick bread that could be eaten on its own, used a side dish for several other dishes such as soups and salads, and can even be used as part of main dishes including pasta.
The bread has just a few major ingredients which make it really simple. The cherry on the top, you probably will have all the ingredients on hand.
It is a popular item which is served at all time of the day be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or just when you are craving a snack. And if you are a cheese lover, you will not be able to resist going back for another slice or two.
Looking for an easy bread recipe? Italian cheese bread is a must-try dish. Italian cheese bread does not only taste amazing but is also economical.
Health Facts:
As mentioned above, the dish has minimal fat and is additionally rich in healthy elements such as protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, calcium, iron etc.
Ingredients
cups all-purpose flour: 2 1/2
tablespoon quick-rise yeast: 1
teaspoon sugar: 1
teaspoon salt: 1
cup warm water (120° to 130°): 1
tablespoon canola oil: 1
cup prepared Italian salad dressing: 1/4-1/3
teaspoon salt: 1/4
teaspoon garlic powder: 1/4
tsp dried oregano: 1/4
tsp dried thyme: 1/4
Dash pepper
cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: 1/2
tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: 1
How To Make Italian Cheese Bread
- Combine 2 cups of flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
- Add water and oil and whisk until everything is blended.
- Add remaining flour and stir well to form soft dough.
- Place the mixture onto a floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes or until it is soft and elastic.
- Lubricate a bowl and place the mixture in it, turning once.
- Cover and set it in a warm place for at least 20 minutes.
- Place the dough on a greased 12-inch pizza pan and press it into a circle covering the entire pan.
- Add salad dressing and sprinkle the seasonings. Accent with cheeses.
- Bake the dough in the pan for 15 minutes or until it is golden brown.
- Once ready, slice it into 16 pieces and chow down.
Trivia:
Known as Crescia al Formaggio in Italy, the Italian cheese bread is excellent as either a side or main dish, and snacks. With the bread along with your favorite sauce and a glass of wine, you will have an unforgettable time treating yourself.
It is also less commonly known as the Easter bread. At Easter time, inhabitants of Italy and cooks together bake an extraordinarily large bread of the Italian cheese bread type which is called crescia meaning ‘to grow’.
The above-given recipe dates back to 1999 when it was published in Taste of Home in June/July. This indicates that the recipe is nottoo old, but must have evolved from ancient types of bread that had cheese as an ingredient or were topped with it.