making this Cheese Bread

Cheese bread is a savory, comforting treat that combines the rich flavor of cheese with soft, fluffy bread. It’s great as a side dish or snack, and you can make it with a variety of cheeses and herbs to suit your taste. Here’s a simple recipe for a cheesy, pull-apart bread!

Cheese Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)

• 1/4 cup melted butter (plus extra for brushing)

• 1 egg

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your choice)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (optional, for herby flavor)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk (not too hot, or it can kill the yeast) and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top.

   • Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t froth, it might be expired, so try using fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

   • Pour in the yeast mixture, the melted butter, and egg. Mix together to form a sticky dough.

   • If needed, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still soft and slightly sticky.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also do this in a stand mixer with a dough hook.

   • Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

   • Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into small equal portions (about 10-12 pieces).

   • Flatten each portion slightly and place a generous amount of shredded cheese in the center of each piece. You can also sprinkle garlic powder and dried herbs if you like for extra flavor.

   • Pinch the dough around the cheese to seal it, shaping it into small cheese-filled balls.

5. Assemble the Cheese Bread:

   • Grease a round or square baking pan. Arrange the dough balls in the pan, side by side, slightly touching. This will create a pull-apart effect when baked.

   • Brush the tops of the dough balls with a little melted butter and sprinkle some more cheese on top, if desired.

6. Second Rise:

   • Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the dough has risen and the balls are touching each other.

7. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling inside. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the bread—it should come out clean, with no dough sticking to it.

8. Serve:

   • Let the cheese bread cool for a few minutes before serving.

   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and an extra burst of flavor.

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Additional Tips & Variations:

• Cheese Choices: Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère are all great choices. You can mix and match for a more complex flavor.

• Add-ins: Try adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or bacon for extra flavor.

• Cheese Sauce: If you want an even cheesier bread, drizzle melted cheese sauce on top after baking.

• Herb Butter: Brush the bread with garlic herb butter (butter, garlic, and your favorite herbs) after it bakes for an extra layer of flavor.

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This cheese bread is perfect for dipping into soup, serving with pasta, or just enjoying on its own with a little butter. The gooey cheese and soft, fluffy bread are irresistible! Would you like any variations or more tips?