Here’s a Simple and Delicious Cheese Bread recipe that’s soft, cheesy, and perfect for any meal or as a snack! This bread is filled with melty cheese, and it’s so easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.
Simple and Delicious Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both)
- 1 egg (for brushing, optional)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and the melted butter.
- Stir the ingredients until they come together into a dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
- Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Add the Cheese:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and flatten it into a rectangle (about 1-inch thick).
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the dough, then fold the dough over itself like a letter to seal in the cheese.
- Roll it out again to incorporate the cheese into the dough. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and fold again to incorporate it fully into the dough.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into rolls, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped dough onto a greased baking pan (for a loaf) or baking sheet (for rolls). Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If you’d like, brush the top of the bread with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- For rolls, bake for about 12-15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. If desired, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with butter, or enjoy it alongside soups, salads, or as a sandwich base.
Serving Suggestions:
- This cheese bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or a fresh salad.
- You can slice it for sandwiches or enjoy it on its own with a little butter or garlic spread.
- For extra cheesy goodness, you can even sprinkle more cheese on top in the last few minutes of baking.
This Simple and Delicious Cheese Bread is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheese. Let me know how it turns out! Enjoy!