Irresistible Cheese Bread Recipe for Cheesy Delight

I’ve baked up a cheesy masterpiece with this irresistible cheese bread—golden, bubbly, and packed with melted cheese inside and out. It’s soft on the inside with a crisp, cheesy crust that makes every bite a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this bread for its comforting simplicity and bold flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish, snack, or even the star of the meal. The combination of soft dough and melted cheese creates an unbeatable texture contrast, and it smells absolutely heavenly while baking.

ingredients

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

• all-purpose flour

• instant yeast

• warm water

• sugar

• salt

• olive oil or melted butter

• shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)

directions

1. I start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. I let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

2. I stir in flour, salt, and olive oil or butter, then knead until the dough is soft and elastic—about 8–10 minutes.

3. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

4. After the first rise, I punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. I sprinkle half the cheese over the dough, then roll it up and shape it into a loaf or braid.

5. I place the shaped dough on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan. I cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

6. Before baking, I brush the top with more olive oil or butter and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and optional seasonings.

7. I bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisp on top.

8. I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices)

• Prep time: 15 minutes active

• Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes total

• Bake time: 25–30 minutes

• Total time: about 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• I mix herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the dough for extra flavor.

• I use a mix of cheeses—Parmesan for sharpness, mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for flavor.

• I turn it into pull-apart bread with smaller dough balls layered with cheese.

• I add cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for a savory kick.

storage/reheating

I store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. To reheat, I wrap it in foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. A quick toast revives the crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, though freshly shredded cheese melts better. Pre-shredded can work in a pinch if I’m short on time.

What type of cheese melts best in this bread?

Mozzarella gives the best melt, while cheddar and Monterey Jack add flavor. I love using a mix to balance taste and texture.

Can I make this bread without yeast?

This version relies on yeast for that soft, fluffy rise. For a quick version, I’d use a baking powder-based dough, but the texture will be different.

Can I freeze cheese bread?

Yes. I wrap the cooled bread tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat it in the oven straight from frozen or let it thaw first.

How do I keep the cheese from burning on top?

If I notice it browning too quickly, I loosely tent the bread with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to protect the cheese.

Conclusion

This irresistible cheese bread is everything I crave in a comfort bake—soft, flavorful, and packed with gooey cheese. Whether served with pasta, soup, or on its own, it never lasts long in my kitchen. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.