If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into perfectly golden, fluffy, and cheesy goodness, this Cheese Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the ooey-gooey richness of melty cheese with the comforting texture of homemade bread, making it an irresistible treat any time of day. Whether you’re serving it alongside dinner or enjoying it as a snack, this bread’s balance of flavor and softness will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a cheese bread that’s packed with flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial part—from the flour setting the structure to the cheese delivering that rich, savory punch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the bread a nice rise and fluffiness without yeast.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory aroma to enhance the cheese’s flavor.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances and brings out all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): The star ingredient that melts into pockets of deliciousness.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: Adds rich flavor and makes the crumb soft.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds the ingredients and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and freshness on top.
How to Make Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper – this makes it super easy to remove the bread once it’s baked without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mixing these first helps evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the bread, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, melted butter, and beaten egg until smooth. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and structure to the dough, making the bread tender and delicious.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter is thick – that’s exactly what you want for this cheese bread recipe. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so keep it light.
Step 5: Fold in the Cheese
Gently fold in the shredded cheese, making sure it’s distributed evenly throughout the batter. You’ll notice the mixture getting a little richer and more textured – that cheesy goodness is what sets this bread apart.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. This is the moment the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let the bread cool for several minutes so it sets nicely, then slice it up. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a fresh touch that brightens the look and taste.
How to Serve Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a vibrant contrast to the warm, melty cheese. You can also drizzle a little melted butter or brush the top with garlic butter right after baking for an extra indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This cheese bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek, and it also complements salads beautifully, providing a satisfying dose of carbs that soak up dressings and broths.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cheese bread sliced into thick slabs alongside a charcuterie board or use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with fresh veggies and deli meats. You could even toast slices lightly and use them as a crunchy base for dips or spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your cheese bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep wonderfully for 2 to 3 days while maintaining its softness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cheese bread recipe later, slice it first and freeze the slices in a zip-top bag with parchment layers to avoid sticking. This way, you can pull out just the amount you need whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture. Microwaving is quick but may make the bread a little chewy, so the oven is your best bet.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just use about the same volume of shredded cheese for the best texture.
Is this cheese bread recipe gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just be aware that texture and baking time might vary slightly.
Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving, so you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Just incorporate them with the dry ingredients for an even distribution.
How do I know when the cheese bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown crust and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (but no wet batter), your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make mini cheese breads or muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! You can divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for about 20 minutes. This makes for great individual servings, perfect for parties or grab-and-go snacks.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Bread Recipe is truly one of those delightful kitchen gems that brings comfort and smiles all around. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in baking and eating it as I do!
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread recipe is a delightful, cheesy loaf that combines the rich flavors of cheddar and mozzarella with a soft, moist texture. Perfect as a snack or alongside meals, this easy-to-make bread uses simple ingredients and is baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread evenly.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and beaten egg until well combined, forming a smooth mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, which is expected for this recipe.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheese evenly throughout the batter to incorporate flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes to set before slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a balanced flavor and melty texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe lactose-free.
- Fresh parsley adds freshness but can be omitted or replaced with other herbs like chives or thyme.
- The bread is best served slightly warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
