Name: Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1/2 cup warm water; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend); 1/2 tsp garlic powder or dried herbs (optional)

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This Cheese Bread Recipe creates a soft, savory loaf filled with melty, golden cheese in every bite. Whether I’m enjoying it warm from the oven or toasted with butter, this bread is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect as a side, snack, or even the star of a simple meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cheese bread strikes the perfect balance between a tender, fluffy crumb and bold, cheesy flavor. It’s easy to make, customizable with different types of cheese, and smells absolutely amazing while it bakes. Whether served with soup, salad, or just eaten on its own, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Instant yeast
Sugar
Salt
Warm milk
Warm water
Unsalted butter (softened)
Egg
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Garlic powder or dried herbs (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

I start by combining the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
I mix in the softened butter, egg, and salt.
I gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
I punch down the dough and knead in the shredded cheese (and garlic powder or herbs if using).
I shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
I cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about 30–40 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
I let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf, serving about 8–10 slices. It takes around 20 minutes to prep, 1.5 hours to rise, and 30–35 minutes to bake—so I usually plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a bolder flavor. If I want a spicy kick, I mix in diced jalapeños. I’ve also added chopped cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor. For a fancier look, I sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.

storage/reheating

I store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, I slice and warm it in the toaster or oven. It also freezes well—I slice it first and thaw individual pieces as needed.

FAQs

What kind of cheese works best?

I use sharp cheddar for flavor and meltability, but mozzarella, gouda, or a blend also works great.

Can I make this without a loaf pan?

Yes, I shape it into a round or oval and bake it on a baking sheet. It turns into a rustic cheesy bread loaf.

How do I make it even cheesier?

I add a layer of shredded cheese in the middle when shaping the dough, or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be slightly different and may require an extra egg or binding agent.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but I prefer freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor—it doesn’t have the anti-caking additives that can affect texture.

Conclusion

This Cheese Bread Recipe is my go-to when I want something warm, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for everyday baking, but special enough to serve to guests. Whether I pair it with dinner or eat it as a snack, it never lasts long once it comes out of the oven.