Cheese Bread

If you’re someone who thinks bread can’t get any better, I’m about to prove you wrong. Cheese Bread is the ultimate comforting bake, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a perfect cheesy crust on the outside. It’s the kind of bread that’ll make your kitchen smell so good that you’ll have trouble waiting for it to cool down before you take that first warm bite. Whether you serve it as a side dish at dinner, snack on it with a bit of butter, or make it the star of the show, this Cheese Bread is a game-changer. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll never look at bread the same way again!

Why You’ll Love Cheese Bread

Comforting and Savory:

This bread has a soft, airy texture, paired with the rich, savory flavors of melted cheese. It’s like the perfect combination of a cheesy biscuit and a homemade loaf of bread.

The Cheese Factor:

What’s not to love about loads of melty cheese mixed right into the dough? You’ll get gooey pockets of cheese in every bite, and that slightly crispy cheese crust is an added bonus!

Perfect for Every Occasion:

This bread is versatile—serve it with soup, salad, pasta, or on its own as a snack. It’s also fantastic for making cheesy sandwiches. And let’s not forget how great it is for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite spread.

Easy to Make:

Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker—this recipe is simple to follow and uses easy-to-find ingredients. The result? Warm, delicious bread that’s ready in no time!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this cheesy, delicious loaf of goodness:

For the Bread:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure and softness.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the bread its light and fluffy texture.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness to activate the yeast and help it rise.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the bread.
• Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and bring everything together to form dough.
• Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and gives it a nice texture.
• Milk: Softens the dough and adds a slight creaminess to the bread.

For the Cheese:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show—this cheese will melt beautifully into the bread, creating gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that sharp, tangy flavor that pairs so well with the mozzarella.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top gives the bread a wonderful crispy, golden finish and adds a bit of nutty flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the olive oil, milk, and salt to the yeast mixture, then slowly add in the flour. Stir until the dough begins to form and comes together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover 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:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
2. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese onto the dough.
3. Fold the dough over the cheese and knead gently to incorporate the cheese into the dough. Be careful not to overwork it—just enough to evenly distribute the cheese.
4. Shape the dough into a loaf or round shape and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.

Bake the Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes, until it puffs up and fills the pan.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the dough for that cheesy, golden crust.
4. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool and Serve:

1. Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Slice, serve, and enjoy! It’s perfect on its own or as a delicious side dish to any meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 20mg
  Sodium: 290mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
  Protein: 8g
  Vitamin A: 6%
  Calcium: 12%
  Iron: 8%
  Potassium: 120mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 hours
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Cheese Bread

Cheese bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

As a Side:

Serve it alongside your favorite soups, salads, or pastas for a comforting, savory addition to any meal.

As a Sandwich:

Use the bread to make a cheesy grilled sandwich or a panini. It’s especially delicious with ham, turkey, or even more melted cheese.

With Dips:

This bread is perfect for dipping! Pair it with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or your favorite creamy dip.

Toasted:

For a little extra crunch, slice the bread and toast it in the oven or on a skillet. Top with butter for an extra layer of goodness.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast: For best results, use fresh instant yeast that hasn’t expired. It helps the dough rise perfectly and gives the bread a lighter texture.
• Add Herbs: For extra flavor, mix in some dried herbs like oregano or basil into the dough before adding the cheese.
• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your yeast is gluten-free.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this bread without a mixer?
A1: Absolutely! Just use your hands to knead the dough. It may take a little more elbow grease, but it’s totally doable.

Q2: Can I use different kinds of cheese?
A2: Yes, feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses, like gouda, provolone, or even blue cheese for a different flavor twist.

Q3: Can I make this bread without yeast?
A3: This recipe relies on yeast for its rise, but you could try a quick bread recipe that uses baking powder instead, though the texture will be different.

Q4: How can I make the bread extra cheesy?
A4: Add more cheese into the dough and on top for an even cheesier experience. You can also add cheese to the center for extra cheesy pockets.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready.

Q6: Can I make this in a bread machine?
A6: Yes, you can! Just follow the bread machine’s instructions for making dough and then bake it as directed.

Q7: How do I get a crispy crust?
A7: To get a crispy crust, you can mist the bread with water before baking or place a small pan of water in the oven while baking.

Q8: Can I add garlic to the bread?
A8: Yes! Add garlic powder or fresh garlic to the dough for a garlicky kick.

Q9: Can I make this bread in a round pan?
A9: Yes, you can shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it in a round pan or on a baking sheet.

Q10: Can I use dairy-free cheese?
A10: Yes, you can substitute with dairy-free cheeses, though the texture and flavor might vary slightly from the traditional version.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that Cheese Bread is a crowd-pleaser. With its warm, cheesy inside and crispy golden crust, this bread will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s a simple side or the main attraction, this loaf has everything you need for a savory, indulgent treat. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

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