If you’re ready to bake something that’s cozy, comforting, and downright irresistible, this Cheese Bread absolutely never disappoints. There’s just something so joyful about pulling a warm, golden loaf from the oven, its top bubbling with melted cheese and lifting a slice that’s pillowy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. Whether for a hearty snack, dunking into soup, or dressing up your next brunch, Cheese Bread adds flavor and fun to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheese Bread lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that blend together to create a loaf bursting with flavor and oozy, melty goodness. Each ingredient has a special role, from building structure to adding that craveable cheesy kick.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone of the bread, creating a tender yet sturdy crumb that holds all that cheese.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and give a gentle sweetness that enhances the cheese.
- Active dry yeast: The magical leavening that gives your loaf its airy rise and soft, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Deepens flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together—make sure it’s warm, not hot!
- Olive oil: Adds a bit of richness and keeps the bread beautifully moist.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Brings bold, sharp cheesy flavor throughout and creates that irresistible crust on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey pockets in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty punch to the topping for an extra-savory finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens up the loaf with color and a fresh herbal note—so pretty!
How to Make Cheese Bread
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s a little foamy on top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to help your Cheese Bread rise beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the bubbly yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until you get a shaggy dough—don’t worry if it looks a bit rough at first, that’s normal!
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and start kneading. After 8 to 10 minutes of satisfying stretching and folding, you’ll have a soft, elastic dough that holds together beautifully. This step is key for that tender, chewy texture we love in Cheese Bread.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it somewhere warm and draft-free. After about an hour, it should double in size. Watching it puff up always feels a bit magical!
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Punch down the risen dough and knead in 1 cup of the cheddar along with all the mozzarella. Folding the cheese into the dough ensures gooey bits throughout every slice—don’t be shy!
Step 6: Shape, Second Rise, and Top
Shape the dough into a smooth loaf and nestle it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. After a 30-minute rise, sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar, Parmesan, and parsley. You’ll see how the Cheese Bread already looks irresistible before it even hits the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the loaf in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The aroma is positively heavenly. Let your masterpiece cool slightly before slicing—you’ll want to dive right in, but this helps the cheese set just enough.
How to Serve Cheese Bread
Garnishes
Add a flourish of freshly chopped parsley, a few extra shreds of Parmesan, or a crack of black pepper right before serving. These simple touches brighten the flavors and make your Cheese Bread look like a work of art.
Side Dishes
Cheese Bread has enough character to stand alone as a snack, but it truly shines as a side to soups, creamy pastas, or a vibrant salad. Dip a warm slice into tomato soup or serve alongside a herby chicken Alfredo—comfort food at its finest.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it thick and use it for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, make croutons for salads, or hollow out a loaf to serve a cheesy dip inside. Cheese Bread is the secret ingredient your entertaining menu didn’t know it needed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The loaf will stay soft and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed anytime those cheesy cravings strike.
Freezing
If you plan to keep it longer, slice the cooled loaf and freeze the pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need for a quick snack or side, and Cheese Bread keeps its deliciousness for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To get that fresh-baked taste back, warm slices in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or toast them gently for melty, crisp edges. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese tough rather than gooey.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by using pepper jack for a little kick, Swiss for nuttiness, or any favorite cheese blend. Just aim for similar meltability for best results.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries—a wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease are all you need! Kneading by hand gives you a good feel for the dough’s texture and can be a bit therapeutic, too.
Why didn’t my loaf rise?
If your Cheese Bread came out dense, the culprit is usually inactive yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Make sure your yeast foams when proofed, and check water temperature with a kitchen thermometer if possible.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use cheeses made without animal rennet, this Cheese Bread is vegetarian. Check labels if you’re cooking for someone who avoids animal-based rennet.
Can I prep Cheese Bread dough ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the dough through the first rise, shape it, and then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before baking for fresh, hot bread with minimal morning effort.
Final Thoughts
Few things feel more rewarding than serving up a loaf of homemade Cheese Bread—its warmth, cheesy goodness, and inviting aroma make it a fast favorite every single time. Whether you’re a bread-baking pro or it’s your very first time, give this recipe a try; I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing and your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
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Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rising)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Cheese Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. This savory loaf is packed with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups, pasta, or simply enjoyed as a cheesy snack.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and olive oil until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Add Cheese: Punch down the dough and knead in 1 cup of cheddar and mozzarella. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar, Parmesan, and parsley. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough.
- This Cheese Bread pairs well with soups, pasta, or as a tasty snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
