Cheese Bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Category: Bread, Snack
Cuisine: International
Best Served: Warm

Description

This soft and cheesy homemade Cheese Bread is savory, flavorful, and filled with melty cheese inside every bite. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted the next day, this bread is a perfect snack, side dish, or base for grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s ideal for weekend baking, brunch spreads, or to complement soups and stews.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant dry yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 1 egg (room temperature)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

Cheese Filling:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (like parsley or chives, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, and softened butter.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Tip: If you have a stand mixer, knead on medium speed using a dough hook for 7–8 minutes. Otherwise, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a ball.

2. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel.

3. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

1. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 9×12 inches).

2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs evenly.

3. Roll it up tightly from one edge, like a jelly roll.

4. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Cover again and let it rise for 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Optional: Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

• Serve warm with butter, soup, or on its own.

Serving Ideas

• With tomato or broccoli soup

• As a sandwich base for grilled cheese

• With eggs for breakfast

• As part of a brunch or charcuterie board

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days (reheat to restore softness).

• Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months. Wrap in foil and store in a zip bag.

Optional Variations

• Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

• Use mozzarella and basil for an Italian twist.

• Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.

• Make rolls instead of a loaf for individual cheese buns.

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)

(Approximate, based on 10 slices)

Nutrition may vary depending on cheese and ingredients used.