If you’re looking for comfort in carbohydrate form, let me introduce you to Cheese Bread—your new failsafe answer to snack cravings, side-dish dilemmas, and that undeniable pull toward something cheesy and golden. This is the recipe I reach for on lazy weekend afternoons or when I need something special but simple to pair with a bowl of soup. There’s magic in watching basic pantry ingredients transform into something this irresistible: a loaf studded with pockets of gooey cheese, perfectly savory, and so easy it’s almost foolproof. If you’ve got 40 minutes, you could be pulling this melty, wonderfully fragrant Cheese Bread out of your oven today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheese Bread is how little it asks of you—just a handful of humble ingredients you probably already have. Still, each one plays a critical role, building the flavor, the fluff, and that signature cheesy stretch.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the Cheese Bread structure and a soft crumb, making every slice tender but sturdy.
- Baking powder: Ensures a lovely rise, so your loaf is wonderfully puffy instead of dense.
- Salt: Brightens the overall flavor and brings out the savoriness of the cheese.
- Melted butter: Lends richness and a hint of buttery flavor while keeping the bread moist.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): The star of the show—feel free to mix them or use your favorite; each variety brings its unique character and delicious meltiness.
How to Make Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your baking pan a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This simple prep step guarantees that your Cheese Bread will slip right out of the pan, and you’ll get those irresistibly crispy edges every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even rise, distributes the salt perfectly, and prevents any baking powder pockets. A quick whisk is all you need—no fancy equipment required.
Step 3: Combine the Cheese and Butter
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter and shredded cheese until everything is evenly coated. This clever move helps the cheese distribute evenly throughout the dough, so every single bite of your Cheese Bread is appropriately gooey and rich.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cheesy, buttery mix to your dry ingredients, and stir with a gentle hand just until the dough comes together. It’s absolutely fine (even ideal!) if it looks a bit rustic—cheese bread is meant to be unfussy, so skip the urge to overmix.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Scoop the dough straight into your greased baking pan and smooth the top lightly with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes; you’ll know it’s done when the top is gorgeously golden and your kitchen smells heavenly. Slice and serve the Cheese Bread warm for ultimate deliciousness.
How to Serve Cheese Bread
Garnishes
Sometimes all Cheese Bread needs is a simple brush of melted butter just after baking, maybe with a sprinkling of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. If you want to dial up the decadence, a light dusting of extra shredded cheese in the last five minutes of baking will create a gooey, golden crown.
Side Dishes
Cheese Bread makes a stellar companion to a big bowl of tomato soup, chili, or any kind of stew. It’s also perfect alongside a crisp salad for adding heartiness, or simply serve it with eggs for a deluxe breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or picnic, try cutting the Cheese Bread into bite-sized cubes and serve them with toothpicks and a zesty dipping sauce. Or, slice it into strips and turn them into cheesy “breadsticks”—terrific for dunking into marinara or your favorite dips. Presentation can be as fun and inventive as you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For maximum freshness, store it in an airtight container where it stays soft and moist, ready for an impromptu snack at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
Cheese Bread freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in a double layer of foil and place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when the craving hits.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or pop them in the toaster oven. If you’re only reheating a single slice, a few seconds in the microwave works too, but nothing beats a quick oven toast for reviving that soft crumb and crisp edge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in my Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classics, feel free to swap in pepper jack for a bit of kick, or try gouda, fontina, or any good melting cheese you love. Each one brings its own personality to the loaf.
Do I need a stand mixer or special equipment?
Not at all! This Cheese Bread is designed to be 100% fuss-free. A couple of mixing bowls, a spoon or spatula, and your baking pan are all you need to create fluffy, cheesy perfection.
Can I add herbs or spices to the recipe?
Definitely! Toss in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even some chopped fresh rosemary to add extra depth and fragrance to your bread. Make it your own!
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free flour?
You can make Cheese Bread gluten-free by substituting a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too, to keep the loaf light and tender.
Why did my bread come out dense?
Overmixing can make Cheese Bread dense and tough. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients; stop mixing as soon as there are no big floury streaks left in the dough, and you’ll have a soft, tender crumb every time.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the aroma of Cheese Bread fresh from the oven—except maybe that first satisfying bite. Give this simple recipe a try for your next cozy evening or gathering, and watch it disappear slice by slice. I hope it wins you over just as much as it has in my kitchen!
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread recipe is a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own. With a crispy golden crust and a cheesy, flavorful interior, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter with the shredded cheese until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the cheese mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the cheese bread warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
