Cheese Bread

Cheese Bread is a warm, savory treat that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or just as a snack on its own! This recipe results in a soft, flavorful bread with pockets of melty cheese throughout, creating a rich, savory loaf. Whether you’re using it to accompany dinner or enjoying it on its own, this bread is sure to be a hit!

Here’s a simple, homemade Cheese Bread recipe you can easily make at home.

Cheese Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both work well)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme), optional
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t bubble up, your yeast might be inactive, so you might need to start over with fresh yeast.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   • In the well of dry ingredients, add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins 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, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough should remain soft.

5. Add the Cheese:

   • Once the dough is kneaded, fold in the shredded cheese and any fresh herbs you’re using. Knead a bit more to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the dough.

6. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Shape and Prepare for Baking:

   • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. (Alternatively, you can shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet.)

8. Second Rise:

   • Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edges of the pan.

9. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.

10. Bake the Bread:

• If desired, sprinkle the top of the loaf with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• If you want a crispier crust, you can bake the bread for an additional 5 minutes.

11. Cool and Serve:

• Let the cheese bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cheese Bread:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese! Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, Gruyère, or even a bit of blue cheese can add unique flavors to your bread.
• Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding some finely chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat or crispy bacon bits.
• Storage: Cheese bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. It also freezes well for up to a month. Just wrap it tightly before freezing and reheat when ready to eat.
• Make it extra cheesy: If you love cheese, sprinkle more cheese on top of the loaf before baking or add some cheese right into the dough for gooey pockets inside the bread.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Bread:

• Savory and Cheesy: The melted cheese gives the bread a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistible.
• Perfect Texture: The dough is soft, light, and slightly chewy, with pockets of melty cheese throughout.
• Versatile: This bread is great on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a sandwich base.

This Cheese Bread is a fun and easy way to enjoy homemade bread with a cheesy twist. It’s perfect for gatherings, or just to treat yourself to a comforting, savory loaf. Enjoy!