Welcome to the wonderful world of cheese bread! If you're a cheese lover like me, then this is a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're enjoying it as a snack, serving it as an appetizer, or pairing it with your favorite soup or salad, cheese bread is a versatile and delicious treat that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Cheese Bread
I make this when I want something warm, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. It's the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. My family goes crazy for this because it's like a warm hug in bread form. The aroma of freshly baked cheese bread wafting through the house is simply irresistible.
Now, let's dive into the ingredients and directions to create this cheesy masterpiece.
Ingredients
For this cheese bread recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
I sometimes use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a gooier texture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking. Feel free to get creative!
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and mix well to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter.
5. Gradually pour the milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser bread.
6. Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
7. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This is where I usually sneak a taste because it smells irresistible!
10. Enjoy your homemade cheese bread while it's still warm and gooey. It's also delicious at room temperature, so you can save some for later if you have any leftovers (though honestly, in my house it never lasts more than a day!).
Notes
In my experience, using freshly shredded cheese yields the best results. The pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture of the bread. If you prefer a sharper flavor, you can use a combination of different cheeses such as sharp cheddar and Gruyere.
Feel free to add some diced jalapenos or cooked bacon for an extra kick of flavor. The variations are endless!
Variations
I've experimented with a few variations of this recipe, and here are a couple that I've tried:
- Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- Mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herby twist
While these variations didn't work out as well as the classic cheese bread, it was still fun to try something different. Sometimes, sticking to the original recipe is the way to go!
Equipment
If you don't have a loaf pan, you can use a round cake pan or even a muffin tin. The shape might be different, but the cheesy goodness will still be there!
Storage
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes until it's nice and warm again. Trust me, it's just as delicious the next day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving cheese bread alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying meal. It's also a hit at parties as an appetizer or snack. You can even slice it horizontally and use it as a base for sandwiches or sliders. The options are endless!
Pro Tips
Through my cheese bread adventures, I've learned a few valuable lessons:
- Don't rush the baking time. It's tempting to take it out of the oven early, but those extra few minutes are crucial for achieving the perfect golden crust.
- Use parchment paper to line the loaf pan for easy removal and cleanup.
- If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought biscuit mix instead of making the dough from scratch. It's a great shortcut that still yields delicious results.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze the cheese bread?
A: Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place the whole loaf in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or pop it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or use a combination for a more complex flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Now that you have all the tools and knowledge, it's time to embark on your cheese bread journey. Get ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness and enjoy every bite. Happy baking!
Cheese Bread
Cheese bread is a versatile and delicious treat that is crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a warm and comforting bread that is bursting with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
-
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and mix well.
-
In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter.
-
Gradually pour the milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
-
Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
-
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.