Cheese Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Difficulty: Medium
Course: Bread, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, European

Introduction

If you’re a fan of cheese and fresh homemade bread, this Cheese Bread recipe will become one of your favorites. It’s everything you could want in a loaf: golden crust, soft inside, and pockets of gooey melted cheese in every bite.

Perfect as a side dish, sandwich base, or snack, this cheese bread offers comforting flavor with just the right amount of richness. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, enjoying it with a bowl of soup, or sneaking slices straight from the oven, this cheesy delight is irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Bread

• Rich & Flavorful: Loaded with cheese in every bite.

• Perfect Texture: Crusty outside, fluffy inside.

• Versatile Use: Serve with soup, breakfast eggs, or on its own.

• Customizable: Use different cheeses or add herbs for new variations.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be baked in advance and reheated beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite mix)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly.

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

Tip: If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and slightly elastic.

Form into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll out into a rectangle about 9×12 inches.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, and herbs evenly over the dough. Starting from the shorter side, roll the dough up tightly into a loaf, pinching the seam to seal.

Variation: For a swirl effect, roll from the long edge, or divide the dough into smaller rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reads 190°F (88°C).

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil in the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy warm for maximum cheesy goodness.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

• Spicy Cheese Bread: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.

• Herbed Cheese Bread: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or basil with the cheese.

• Garlic Pull-Apart Bread: Cut dough into pieces, dip in garlic butter, layer with cheese, and bake in a bundt or loaf pan.

• Mini Cheese Rolls: Instead of one loaf, divide dough into 12 pieces, fill each with cheese, and bake as rolls.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in a bread box or airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Wrap in foil or plastic and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze sliced or whole loaf wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Serving Suggestions

• With Soup: Pair with tomato soup, creamy broccoli, or chicken noodle.

• Breakfast Toast: Toast slices and top with eggs, avocado, or butter.

• Grilled Cheese: Use it for an ultra-cheesy grilled sandwich.

• Charcuterie Board: Slice into cubes and serve with meats, fruits, and wine.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Note: Values are approximate and depend on cheese types used.