Cheese bread is a warm, savory delight that’s perfect for any meal or as a snack on its own. It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with cheesy goodness in every bite. Here’s an easy recipe to make homemade cheese bread, perfect for serving with soup, salads, or just enjoying fresh out of the oven!
Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works great, but you can also use a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda for variety)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for a little extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy. This means your yeast is activated and ready to go.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Make a well in the center.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and butter together. Pour this mixture into the well of the flour, followed by the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much.
5. Add Cheese:
- Once the dough is kneaded, gently fold in about 1 cup of shredded cheese. This is where the cheesy magic happens! Knead the dough a bit more until the cheese is evenly distributed.
6. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl (use olive oil or cooking spray), cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf or a small oval loaf, depending on your preference. You can also divide it into smaller rolls if you prefer individual servings.
8. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes until puffed up.
9. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake:
- After the second rise, brush the top of the dough with a little olive oil for a golden finish (optional).
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re making smaller rolls, they may only need about 15-20 minutes.
11. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- You can sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the bread during the last 5 minutes of baking if you want an extra cheesy crust.
Tips:
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan are all fantastic choices.
- Herbs: You can add herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley into the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve Warm: Cheese bread is best served warm, right out of the oven, so the cheese is all melty and gooey. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw and warm it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with soups like tomato soup or a hearty beef stew.
- Make it the base for cheese sandwiches or enjoy it as a snack with a little butter.
Enjoy your homemade Cheese Bread—it’s cheesy, soft, and absolutely delicious!