If you love the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with rich, melty cheese, then you are going to adore this Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s a tender, flavorful loaf filled with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses that create the perfect balance of gooeyness and sharpness, all wrapped up in a lightly seasoned, golden crust. This bread not only makes a fantastic snack but also shines alongside your favorite meals, delivering warmth and cheesy goodness in every bite. Trust me, once you make this Cheese Bread Recipe, it will quickly become one of those dishes you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheese Bread Recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that combine effortlessly to create a loaf bursting with flavor. Each item plays its part, from the fluffy texture that flour and baking powder provide to the melty cheese that brings it to life.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb, ensuring a soft and airy bread.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread a light rise, making it wonderfully fluffy without yeast.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle kick that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and helps keep the bread tender.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy flavor that’s iconic in cheesy breads.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives that irresistibly gooey texture you dream about.
- Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the batter.
- Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a beautiful golden crust.
- Dried parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the bread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping): Creates a savory, crispy top that elevates every slice.
How to Make Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bread starts baking at the perfect temperature to develop that irresistible crust. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the bread once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder if you’re using it. This step ensures your dry components are evenly distributed, giving your bread a consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth. This silky mixture adds moisture and richness, creating a tender crumb in your Cheese Bread Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the wet mixture. This step is where the heart of your cheese bread shines—those cheeses will melt beautifully during baking, infusing the bread with delicious pockets of cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense instead of soft and fluffy. A few lumps are perfectly fine here.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it out. If you want, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley on top to add an extra savory kick and a splash of color. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, allowing it to set perfectly. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting time enhances the texture and makes cutting easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Cheese Bread Recipe even further. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely fresh note, while a drizzle of olive oil can add a smooth finish. For a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes right before serving.
Side Dishes
This cheese bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup, like tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar, to soak up every last bit of flavor. It’s also fantastic with fresh salads or alongside a hearty pasta dish for a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cheese bread into thick pieces and toast them lightly to make cheesy croutons or “bread spoons” perfect for dipping in sauces. You can also transform leftover slices into mini sandwiches or serve them warm with a side of marinara for an irresistible appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheese Bread Recipe (though it’s rarely the case!), store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Keeping it sealed prevents drying out and preserves that soft, cheesy texture.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy. Reheating this way revives the crispy crust and melty cheese perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella give a great balance of flavor and melting texture, you can experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the bread from getting too wet.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but the texture might differ slightly. Adding a binder like xanthan gum might also help improve the structure.
Can I make this Cheese Bread Recipe vegan?
You can! Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use plant-based milk, and find vegan shredded cheeses that melt well. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile and texture somewhat, but it can still be delicious.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Timing can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on that beautiful crust.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger loaf?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works great. Just make sure you use a larger loaf pan or divide the batter into two pans. Baking time may increase slightly, so check doneness regularly to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked slice of cheesy bread, and this Cheese Bread Recipe truly delivers on every level. Whether you enjoy it as a quick snack, a side for dinner, or an accompaniment to soup, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to the table. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy bread and cheese together in perfect harmony.
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy bread recipe combines the rich flavors of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a side, this quick and easy bread comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes to a golden crust in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Herbs
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, milk, and large egg until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add the Cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the wet ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Everything: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this bread gluten-free.
- Adding garlic powder and dried parsley is optional but adds a lovely flavor dimension to the bread.
- To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes and omit the cheeses or use vegan cheeses.
