cheese bread recipe

Ingredients

1. 2 cups of warm water
2. 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3. 3 tablespoons sugar
4. 4 cups all-purpose flour

1. 1 teaspoon salt
2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3. 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/parmesan mix)
4. 1 egg, beaten (optional for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.

1. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour and salt.

1. Mix dough: Combine yeast mixture, flour mixture, and melted butter. Knead for 10 minutes.

1. Rise: Let dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1 hour or until doubled.

1. Shape: Punch down dough, shape into a round or oblong loaf.

1. Cheese topping: Sprinkle grated cheese evenly.

1. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

1. Optional egg wash: Brush beaten egg for a golden glaze.

Breakfast Serving Suggestions

1. Slice and serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage.

1. Toast with butter, jam, or honey.

1. Make breakfast sandwiches with cheese, ham, or turkey.

Here are some variations you can try with your cheese bread recipe:

1. Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for an aromatic flavor.

1. Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or jalapeños into the dough for a bit of heat.

1. Cheese Blend: Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavors.

1. Garlic Bread Version: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter and brush it on top before baking for a garlic bread twist.

1. Stuffed Cheese Bread: After shaping the dough, fill it with cheese and other fillings like cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives before baking.

1. Sweet Cheese Bread: Add a bit of sugar and cinnamon to the dough and use sweet cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese for a dessert version.

1. Savory Add-ins: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier bread.

Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste!

Tips

1. Use quality cheese for best flavor.
2. Adjust cheese quantity to taste.
3. Consider adding diced herbs (parsley, rosemary) or spices (garlic, paprika) for extra flavor.

To store your homemade cheese bread and keep it fresh, follow these tips:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This prevents moisture buildup.

1. Wrap in Plastic: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out.

1. Use a Bread Box: If you have a bread box, it’s a great place to store the wrapped bread to maintain freshness.

1. Refrigeration: If you plan to keep it for more than a few days, you can refrigerate it, though this may change the texture slightly.

1. Freezing: For long-term storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature or toast it directly from the freezer.

These methods will help you enjoy your cheese bread later without losing its deliciousness!

Enjoy your delicious homemade cheese bread!