Description
This Cheesy Bread recipe is a quick and easy homemade loaf bursting with rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced by garlic and a touch of black pepper. Perfectly golden and crusty on the outside with a moist, tender interior, it’s an ideal savory treat for breakfast, snacks, or alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (only if dough is too dry)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt), Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach the right consistency.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a rustic round loaf approximately 6 to 7 inches wide. Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet.
- Score the Loaf: Using a sharp knife, score an ‘X’ on the top of the loaf. This allows steam to escape and helps the bread bake evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup each of cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the loaf for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully cooked inside.
- Brush with Butter: Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, brush the top with melted butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool for about 5 minutes. Slice it, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, combine all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt as a substitute.
- Using full-fat Greek yogurt enriches the flavor and texture, but you can use low-fat if preferred.
- Adjust moisture by adding milk only if the dough is too dry to hold together.
- Scoring the top helps control how the bread expands during baking and adds a rustic look.
- Brush with melted butter while still warm to give the crust a glossy, soft finish.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free yogurt.
