This homemade cheese bread is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread and melted cheese, making it a perfect side for soups or a tasty snack on its own.
The recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread with gooey cheese right from your oven.
Visual Appeal of Cheese Bread
There’s something undeniably inviting about a freshly baked loaf of cheese bread. The golden-brown crust, with its crispy exterior, beckons you to take a slice.
As you cut into the loaf, the melted cheese oozes from the sides, creating a mouthwatering sight.
Arranged on a rustic wooden cutting board, the bread not only looks delicious but also adds a touch of warmth to any table setting.
With a few slices cut and placed beside the loaf, the soft, fluffy interior is showcased, enticing anyone nearby to indulge in a piece.
Perfect Pairings
This cheese bread is versatile and can complement various dishes.
It serves as an excellent side for soups, enhancing the meal with its rich flavors.
Alternatively, enjoy it on its own, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs for added taste.
The combination of the warm bread and the fragrant olive oil creates a delightful experience for the senses.
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Delight
Creating this cheese bread requires basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
All-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt form the foundation of the dough.
Add warm water and olive oil to bring it all together, while shredded cheese adds that irresistible gooeyness.
Optional ingredients like garlic powder and dried herbs can elevate the flavor profile, making each bite even more enjoyable.
The Baking Process
Making cheese bread is a straightforward process that anyone can master.
Start by activating the yeast, allowing it to froth and come alive.
Mix the dry ingredients before combining them with the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Kneading the dough is essential, as it develops the gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic texture.
Incorporating the cheese into the dough ensures that every slice is packed with cheesy goodness.
Rising to Perfection
The rising stages are crucial for achieving that perfect loaf.
After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become airy.
After shaping the loaf, a second rise is necessary before baking, ensuring a light and fluffy result.
Enjoying Your Cheese Bread
Once baked to a golden perfection, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, drawing everyone in.
Serve the cheese bread warm, perhaps with a side of olive oil for dipping or as an accompaniment to your favorite dish.
Each bite will be a delightful combination of crusty exterior and soft, cheesy interior, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Easy Cheese Bread Recipe
This cheese bread features a soft dough infused with cheese, baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and optional garlic powder and herbs.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheese into the dough, kneading until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 24g