Cheesy Bread

Cheesy Bread

There’s something unmistakable about a loaf of cheesy bread coming out of the oven: a warm, tangy aroma that coaxes everyone into the kitchen, a golden crust that shatters to reveal pillowy crumbs threaded with molten cheese. Each slice offers a contrast of crunch and stretch — the toastiness of the crust, the soft, tender interior, and that hit of savory, lightly salty cheese that pulls at the fork. It’s comfort food at its simplest and most satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, cozy brunches by the window, or as an easy, crowd-pleasing side for weeknight dinners. It also shines at potlucks and holiday gatherings where a simple, shareable loaf is exactly what’s needed. If you love tried-and-true baking that rewards you with delicious results and minimal fuss, you’ll want to keep this one in your repertoire. For a sweet-salty pairing you can serve alongside fruit preserves or a bowl of soup; for a contrasting companion, try it with an apple-based quick bread like this Amish apple fritter bread recipe, which makes a delightful combo at brunch.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices (serves 6–8)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner bakers

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition per serving (1 of 8 slices — approximate):

• Calories: ~245 kcal
• Protein: ~8.4 g
• Carbohydrates: ~24.5 g
• Fat: ~12.3 g
• Saturated Fat: ~6.0–7.0 g (from cheese and butter)
• Sodium: ~450 mg
• Cholesterol: ~55–60 mg
• Fiber: ~0.8 g

Notes on the numbers: these estimates are based on typical values for all-purpose flour, whole milk, cheddar cheese, butter, and a large egg as reported in government nutrition databases (USDA FoodData Central) and standard nutrition calculators. Individual values will vary with the specific cheese, milk, and brands you use — for example, using low-fat milk or reduced-sodium cheese will lower calories, fat, and sodium. For personalized health advice, consult nutrition resources like the CDC or a registered dietitian.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comfort in every slice: The aroma and melty cheese are irresistible and trigger nostalgia for home-baked warmth.
• Speed and simplicity: With a handful of pantry staples and under an hour from start to finish, this loaf delivers big flavor with little effort.
• Versatility: Serve it at breakfast, tuck it into lunchboxes, pair it with soups or salads, or bring it to gatherings. Its easy adaptability (swap cheeses, add herbs, or turn into garlic-cheesy pull-apart pieces) makes it a go-to recipe for many occasions.

How to Make Cheesy Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg

Optional ingredients / substitutions:

• Swap 1 cup of cheese for a mix of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan + 1/2 cup cheddar for sharper flavor.
• Use low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk (unsweetened almond or oat) to reduce calories; with non-dairy milk, the texture is slightly different but still tasty.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, or 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, thyme).

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (8×4-inch works well).
2. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt; whisk to aerate and distribute the leavening evenly.
3. Stir in the 1 cup shredded cheese so it’s coated lightly with flour — this helps prevent the cheese from sinking.
4. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 egg until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few small lumps are fine.
6. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a golden crust.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs from melted cheese are okay).
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Practical tips:

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter leads to a dense loaf. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
• Cheese distribution: Toss cheese with a tablespoon of flour before adding to batter to stop it sinking.
• Doneness cues: The toothpick test is reliable; if the center still jiggles or sticks heavily, give it a few more minutes. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

Serve It Up

• Classic: Warm slices with a pat of butter or compound butter (garlic-herb butter is lovely).
• Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit, or alongside jam for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Snack/Appetizer: Cut into cubes and offer with marinara or a creamy dip.
• Meal pairing: Serve next to tomato soup, chili, or a crisp green salad for an easy weeknight meal. For a brunch spread, balance this savory loaf with a sweet quick bread like the Amish apple fritter loaf to please both tastes.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 4–5 days; reheat gently to revive freshness.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil (or use a freezer-safe bag) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) until warmed through.

Expert Tips

• Best cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives structure and tang; mozzarella offers meltiness and stretch; Gruyère or fontina give nutty complexity. Try blending a firm and a melty cheese for balance.
• Texture keys: Use room-temperature wet ingredients so the batter mixes without clumping; this helps the loaf rise evenly.
• Avoid soggy bottoms: Make sure your loaf pan is well-greased and allow a short rest in the pan before transferring to a rack so steam escapes.
• Flavor boost: Fold in 1–2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard or 1 tsp smoked paprika for depth without overpowering the cheese.

Creative Twists

• Herb & Garlic Cheesy Bread: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme) to the batter for fragrant savory notes.
• Bacon-Cheddar Pull-Apart: Stir in 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon and increase cheese to 1 1/2 cups. Bake in a round pan and pull apart for serving.
• Vegan Option: Use a commercial egg replacer, 1/4 cup melted vegan butter, unsweetened soy or oat milk, and a shredded vegan cheese. Note texture will differ and baking times may vary.
• Sweet & Savory Twist: Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apple or pear and pair with a cheddar that has a touch of sharpness for a Thanksgiving-worthy loaf. See a similar sweet-savory vibe in classic quick breads like this Amish apple fritter bread, which can inspire interesting pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, but pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can slightly affect melting. For the creamiest texture, shred a block of cheese yourself.

Q: My loaf came out dense — what went wrong?
A: Likely overmixing or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling (don’t scoop), and mix only until ingredients are combined.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added cheese, reduce added salt by half, and verify your baking powder (some brands have sodium). This will significantly lower the sodium per slice.

Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Yes — divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at the same temperature for 15–20 minutes, checking for doneness.

Q: Leftovers taste dry — how do I revive them?
A: Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes wrapped in foil, or briefly in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an unfussy, crowd-pleasing loaf that fills the house with irresistible aroma and delivers warm, cheesy comfort, this cheesy bread is a winner. Try it plain or customize with herbs, bacon, or a different cheese blend — and share your results so others can bake along.

For inspiration on garlic-forward cheesy breads, check this detailed Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe – The Kitchn, and for another take on quick, comforting loaves to pair with savory bread, see this Cheesy Bread Recipe – Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

Happy baking — and don’t forget to let your kitchen fill with that special, comforting scent as this loaf comes out golden and bubbly.