🧀 Homemade Cheese Bread

Soft, fluffy, golden on the outside, and loaded with melty cheese inside — this cheese bread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or breakfast treat.

📸 Caption

Golden, fluffy cheese bread fresh from the oven — crispy crust, soft center, and packed with gooey, melty cheese in every bite. Perfect with coffee, soup, or as a savory snack any time of day.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tbsp softened butter (optional, for extra richness)

For Topping (Optional)

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

• ½ tsp dried oregano or parsley

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

If using instant yeast, you can skip proofing.
If using active dry yeast:

1. Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.

2. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

2. Add yeast mixture (or instant yeast + milk), melted butter, and egg.

3. Mix until dough forms.

4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Tip: Dough should be soft but not sticky. Add 1–2 tbsp flour if too sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl.

2. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

3. Let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape & Fill

1. Punch down dough.

2. Roll into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches).

3. Spread softened butter (optional).

4. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly.

5. Roll tightly like a log.

6. Place into a greased loaf pan (or shape into a round and place on baking tray).

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Brush with egg wash.

3. Sprinkle parmesan and herbs.

4. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

5. Cool 10 minutes before slicing.

🧀 Texture & Flavor

• Outside: Golden and slightly crisp

• Inside: Soft, fluffy, and stretchy from melted cheese

• Flavor: Buttery, savory, slightly sweet from the dough

🔥 Variations

• Add minced garlic for garlic cheese bread

• Add chopped jalapeños for spice

• Use feta + mozzarella for Mediterranean flavor

• Add cooked bacon bits

• Turn into cheese bread rolls instead of loaf

🥄 Storage

• Room temperature: 2 days (airtight container)

• Refrigerator: 5 days

• Freezer: Up to 2 months
  Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this without yeast?

Yes. Substitute with 2½ tsp baking powder instead of yeast. Skip rising time. Texture will be more biscuit-like.

Q2: Why is my cheese bread dense?

Possible reasons:

• Not kneaded enough

• Dough didn’t rise properly

• Yeast expired

• Milk too hot (killed yeast)

Q3: What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor. A mix gives best results.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and shape, then refrigerate overnight before second rise. Let sit at room temperature 30–45 minutes before baking.

Q5: How do I keep cheese from leaking out?

• Seal edges tightly when rolling

• Don’t overfill

• Place seam side down in pan