Parmesan Herb Bread

This is a lovely bread to serve with pasta! The herbs and cheese really make the kitchen smell good while it's baking too! :) I use the Real Parmesan cheese in the shaker container for the dough and then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking. If you don't have bread flour, this recipe will work using just all-purpose flour. I think the bread flour makes for a lighter bread though. Also, feel free to add more water if necessary to get your dough to the right consistency. I prefer a softer dough; again, I think it makes for a lighter bread.

Parmesan Herb Bread

1 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil (I use the light tasting)
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons bread machine yeast OR 1 packet active dry yeast (If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water before combining with the remaining ingredients.)

Mix, knead and let your dough rise until doubled using your favorite method; bread machine, manual or stand mixer. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a long loaf, slash tops with a sharp knife and sprinkle with a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You could also shape and bake the bread in a 9 x 5 x 3-inch bread pan. Let rise in a warm place until doubled. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes, 30 minutes if using a standard loaf pan, or until golden brown.

Linking up with Heidi and Dolly for The Country Homemaker Hop.