why make this recipe

Easy Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of cheese to your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s perfect for beginners and can be paired with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own. With its crispy crust and soft, cheesy interior, this bread will surely impress your family and friends. Plus, it fills your home with a warm and inviting aroma, making it an enjoyable recipe for any occasion.

how to make Easy Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups room temperature water
2-4 tbsp all-purpose flour for shaping into a ball
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sea salt
1 ½ cups shredded cheese, any kind you like
1 cup cheese cubes, cut to about ½"

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of flour, sea salt, instant yeast, grated cheese, and cheese cubes.
Measure 1 ½ cups of room temperature water and pour it into the dry ingredients.
Stir until all the dough comes together and there are no pockets of flour left.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area to rise for 3-4 hours (it can rise for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 8 hours).
Near the end of the rising time, put your empty Dutch oven (with the lid on) into your oven and preheat to 425°F.
Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and add 2-4 tablespoons of flour to help shape the dough into a ball; don’t knead the dough as we want to keep those air pockets created by rising!
When the oven reaches 425°F, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven with mitts (the lid is very hot too!).
Drop the dough into the hot Dutch oven (it should be ungreased and unlined).
Bake your cheese bread in the Dutch oven at 425°F for 30 minutes with the lid on.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the crust.
Take the loaf out and place it on a cutting board; you can cut it when it’s cool or enjoy it warm from the oven!

how to serve Easy Cheese Bread

Easy Cheese Bread is best served warm, fresh out of the oven. You can slice it and enjoy it on its own, spread with butter, or served alongside soups and salads. The melted cheese inside makes it a tasty addition to any meal, and it can also be used for making sandwiches if you’re feeling creative!

how to store Easy Cheese Bread

To store Easy Cheese Bread, first, make sure it has cooled completely. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or stored in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just slice the bread and wrap each slice individually; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

tips to make Easy Cheese Bread

Ensure your water is at room temperature, as too hot or too cold can affect the yeast’s ability to rise.
Avoid overworking the dough when adding flour to shape it; just gently form it into a ball.
Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination—cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda all work wonderfully!

variation

You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost. Also, feel free to mix in other ingredients such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture and flavor a bit. You might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour for best results.

2. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach around 200°F.

3. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
While cheese is the star ingredient of this recipe, you can make a plain bread version by simply omitting the cheese. It will still be delicious on its own!