Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, your yeast is dead - start over with fresh yeast.
- Stir in olive oil, 2 cups flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until dough pulls away from bowl sides and is tacky but not sticky.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked. Place in an oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60 minutes.
Shape and Fill
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12x8 inch rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, leaving a 1-inch border. Starting from a short end, roll tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
- Place seam-side down in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover loosely and let rise 30-40 minutes until dough crowns 1 inch above pan rim. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F during final rise.
Bake
- Brush top with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F. If browning too quickly, tent with foil after 20 minutes.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing - this prevents a gummy texture and lets the cheese set.
Notes
For extra flavor, use a mix of shredded provolone and mozzarella. The bread stays fresh wrapped at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use 1 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano, and thyme plus 1/2 teaspoon rosemary.
