Here’s a delicious and easy Cheese Bread recipe that’s soft, cheesy, and perfect for any occasion!
Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing on top, optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (make sure it’s warm, not hot) and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be expired, and you’ll need fresh yeast.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix together with a spoon until a dough starts to form.
- Once it becomes doughy, use your hands to knead it for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
3. Add the Cheese:
- Once the dough is kneaded, gently fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you like). You can also add Parmesan and garlic powder at this stage for extra flavor.
4. First Rise:
- Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, or you can divide it into smaller rolls if you prefer. Place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it has puffed up.
7. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top. If you’re making smaller rolls, they may bake a bit faster (around 20-25 minutes). You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden, and when you tap the bottom of the loaf, it sounds hollow.
8. Brush with Butter (Optional):
- Once the bread is baked, you can brush the top with melted butter for a golden, shiny finish.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it while it’s still warm and cheesy!
Tips:
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix up the cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyère all work well. For a stronger flavor, add more Parmesan.
- Herbs: You can add dried or fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Garlic: If you like garlic, try adding garlic powder or minced fresh garlic to the dough for an extra savory kick.
This cheesy, soft bread will be a hit at your dinner table, and it’s so simple to make! Enjoy!