There’s something irresistible about warm, homemade cheese bread. The way the crust turns golden and crispy while the inside stays soft, fluffy, and filled with melty cheese — it’s comfort food at its finest. This recipe has become one of my go-to baking projects whenever I want to impress guests or simply spoil my family with something special.
The best part? It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim but delicious enough to feel like a real treat. Whether served as a side with pasta, alongside soup, or just enjoyed on its own, this cheese bread is always the first thing to disappear from the table.
Let me show you why this recipe works so well and how you can make it part of your regular rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
This cheese bread recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Here’s why I love it:
- Simple ingredients: No fancy tools or complicated steps required.
- Cheesy goodness in every bite: Perfectly melted cheese both inside and on top.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish, snack, or even breakfast with a little jam.
- Customizable: Add herbs, garlic, or even spicy peppers to make it your own.
- Crowd-pleaser: Warm, cheesy bread straight from the oven is always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 1 loaf | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Additional Rise Time: 1 hour)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing
How I Make Cheese Bread (Step-by-Step)
1. Activate the Yeast
I start by dissolving the sugar in warm water and sprinkling the yeast on top. After about 5 minutes, it gets nice and foamy — a good sign it’s ready.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. I pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until it starts to come together. Then I fold in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
3. Knead and Rise
I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Then, I place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape and Prepare for Baking
After the dough has risen, I punch it down and shape it into a loaf or press it into a greased baking pan. I let it rest for another 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.
5. Bake
I bake the cheese bread for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Brush and Serve
As soon as it comes out of the oven, I brush the top with melted butter for that perfect glossy finish. I let it cool slightly before slicing — although it’s hard to resist digging in right away!
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Cheese Bread
- Use good cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot: I often place mine in the oven with just the light on for a gentle rise.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Knead just until smooth for a tender crumb.
- Add fresh herbs for a burst of flavor: Rosemary or chives make great additions.
- Brush with garlic butter: For an extra hit of flavor, mix minced garlic into the butter before brushing.
What I Serve with Cheese Bread
This bread is delicious on its own, but I love pairing it with:
- Creamy tomato basil soup
- Pasta dishes like spaghetti or Alfredo
- A hearty salad for a simple meal
- Charcuterie boards with meats and olives
- A glass of red wine or sparkling cider
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a stronger flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe without yeast?
A: This recipe is best with yeast, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use self-rising flour and skip the yeast step for a quick bread version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for best results.
Why This Cheese Bread Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
There’s nothing quite like homemade cheese bread — warm, fluffy, and full of gooey cheese in every bite. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always the first thing to disappear from the table. Whether you’re serving it with dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself to some cheesy comfort, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
I hope you give it a try — and when you do, don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested recipe!
The Simple, Cheesy Bread Recipe You’ll Want to Bake for Every Meal
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
- Incorporate the garlic powder and dried Italian herbs if using.
- Gradually add flour (not listed but typically used for bread) until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the risen dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
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