Homemade Cheese Bread: Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside

 

Homemade Cheese Bread: Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside

Few things are as universally loved as freshly baked bread—especially when it’s packed with melty cheese, a crispy golden crust, and a soft, fluffy interior. That’s exactly what you get with this Homemade Cheese Bread recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food classic, and an irresistible way to elevate any meal.

Whether you’re serving it with soup, pasta, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, this cheese bread hits the mark every single time.

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🧀 Why You’ll Love This Cheese Bread

• Crispy on the outside – The crust bakes to a beautiful golden brown with a slight crunch.

• Light and fluffy inside – Tender, airy texture that’s perfect for soaking up sauces or slathering with butter.

• Packed with cheesy goodness – Every bite is full of savory, melted cheese.

• Smells amazing – Your kitchen will smell like a bakery (and your neighbors will be jealous).

• Versatile – Great on its own or as a side to just about any dish.

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🥖 Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or Italian herbs for added flavor

• Extra cheese for topping (optional)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Homemade Cheese Bread

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.

2. Add cheese: Fold in the shredded cheese (and optional seasonings). Knead by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 5–7 minutes.

3. Let it rise: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape and second rise: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf (or place into a greased loaf pan), and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Preheat and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing (if you can wait!). Serve warm for maximum cheesy deliciousness.

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🧈 Serving Suggestions

• With soups and stews like tomato basil or creamy broccoli

• As a savory breakfast with eggs and avocado

• Toasted with a drizzle of olive oil or garlic butter

• As a base for grilled cheese or open-faced sandwiches

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Switch up the cheese: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavors.

• Add herbs or spices: A touch of rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes adds extra depth.

• Make it pull-apart style: Roll dough into balls, stuff with cubes of cheese, and bake in a bundt or cake pan.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cheese Bread is the ultimate in savory baking—crispy, fluffy, cheesy, and comforting all in one. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to impress anyone at the table. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Serve it fresh, freeze it for later, or gift a loaf to a friend—no matter how you enjoy it, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.