CHEESE BREAD

 

Ultimate Cheese Bread Recipe: A Complete Guide

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Introduction

Cheese bread is one of those beloved comfort foods that combine the soft, fluffy texture of freshly baked bread with the rich, melty goodness of cheese. It’s versatile, satisfying, and can be enjoyed plain or enhanced with herbs, spices, or other add-ins.

From a simple homemade loaf to more elaborate versions with jalapeños or herbs, cheese bread has been a favorite across cultures and generations. This recipe focuses on making a classic, flavorful cheese bread that can serve as breakfast bread, a snack, or a side to soups and salads.

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History of Cheese Bread

Cheese bread dates back centuries, with variations appearing around the world. In Brazil, Pão de Queijo is a famous naturally gluten-free cheese bread made from tapioca flour and cheese. In the U.S. and Europe, cheese breads often refer to yeast-leavened breads enriched with cheese and sometimes herbs or spices.

The melding of bread and cheese reflects a universal love of carbs and dairy, making cheese bread a natural comfort food and staple for many families.

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Why Make Cheese Bread at Home?

• Freshness: Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread with melting cheese.

• Control: Customize cheese type, seasoning, and texture to your liking.

• Cost-effective: Cheaper and tastier than store-bought.

• Fun: Baking bread is a rewarding skill and a joy to share.

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Ingredients

For 1 Loaf (makes about 12 slices)

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour (can substitute part with bread flour for more chew)

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme for flavor

• For topping: Additional shredded cheese (½ cup), butter for brushing

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Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk or fork for eggs

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Loaf pan (9x5 inch)

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel

• Oven thermometer (recommended)

• Cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Activate Yeast

If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with dry ingredients. For better reliability and rise, activate yeast first:

• Warm milk to about 110°F (warm to touch).

• Stir in sugar and sprinkle yeast over milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If no foam, yeast may be inactive and needs replacement.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and optional garlic powder and herbs if using.

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Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and melted butter. Add the activated yeast mixture or, if using instant yeast, add the warm milk directly.

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Step 4: Make the Dough

Add wet ingredients to dry gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon or mixer on low speed.

Once combined, knead:

• By hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.

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Step 5: Incorporate Cheese

Gently knead in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese until evenly distributed but avoid over-kneading to prevent dough from getting tough.

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Step 6: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1-1.5 hours).

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Step 7: Shape the Loaf

Punch down dough gently to release gas. Turn onto a floured surface and shape into a loaf by rolling tightly, pinching seams to seal.

Place loaf seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

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Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan and allow dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes, until it puffs above the rim.

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Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheese evenly on top.

Optionally, brush with melted butter for a richer crust.

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Step 10: Bake the Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Use an oven thermometer for best temperature accuracy.

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Step 11: Cool

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow crumb to set.

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Tips for Perfect Cheese Bread

• Choose good cheese: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend gives best flavor and melt. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents if possible.

• Temperature control: Yeast activates best around 110°F; hotter liquids kill yeast.

• Knead well: Kneading develops gluten for structure and a soft crumb.

• Don’t rush rises: Proper fermentation creates flavor and light texture.

• Watch baking time: Avoid overbaking to keep bread moist.

• Add flavor boosters: Garlic powder, herbs, or spices can elevate your bread.

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Variations and Add-ins

• Jalapeño Cheese Bread: Add diced jalapeños for spice.

• Bacon & Cheese Bread: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon.

• Herbed Cheese Bread: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

• Sun-Dried Tomato & Cheese: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

• Cheese Swirl Bread: Roll dough with cheese and herbs inside for layers.

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Storage and Reheating

Storing Cheese Bread

• Room temperature: Store wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for 2-3 days.

• Refrigeration: Keeps for 5 days but can dry out; bring to room temp before serving.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

Reheating

• Reheat slices in toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

• Microwave wrapped in damp paper towel for 15-30 seconds.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Cause	Solution
Dense bread	Under-kneading or old yeast	Knead longer, use fresh yeast
Bread doesn't rise	Cold environment or dead yeast	Warm place, check yeast viability
Cheese sinks	Added too early or too much liquid	Fold cheese in gently, reduce liquid
Crust too hard	Overbaking or no butter brush	Shorten bake time, brush with butter