Cheesy Bread

There’s a moment when the oven door opens and a warm, cheese-scented cloud billows out—soft, golden crust giving way to a tender, pillowy crumb studded with molten pockets of cheddar. That aroma hits you first: sharp, buttery, and impossibly comforting. One bite delivers a rich, savory melt with a slight tang from the cheese, a whisper of butter, and a crackle of crisp top. The texture is the real joy: crusty edges, a soft center that pulls apart in strings of cheese, and a tender crumb that soaks up butter or soup like a dream.

This Cheesy Bread is the kind of recipe that makes a kitchen feel like home. It’s perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts with coffee, afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or as a comforting side for a winter stew. It’s quick enough for a last-minute snack and festive enough to bring to potlucks. If you enjoy variations or want a slightly different spin on cheesy loafs, explore this other take on a classic for inspiration: a simple cheesy bread variant.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices (serves 6–8)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner bakers

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 of 8 slices). Values are approximations calculated from standard ingredient nutrition profiles and verified against USDA FoodData Central profiles and general guidance from trusted sources such as the Mayo Clinic for recommended sodium guidance.

• Calories: ~235 kcal
• Protein: ~8 g
• Carbohydrates: ~25 g
  • Fiber: ~1 g
  • Sugars: ~2–3 g
• Fat: ~13 g
  • Saturated fat: ~7–8 g
• Sodium: ~450 mg

Notes:

• These figures are approximate and will change with the cheese type, milk fat level, or substitutions (e.g., low-fat milk or reduced-fat cheese lowers calories and fat). For precise tracking, enter your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator or refer to USDA FoodData Central entries. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping daily sodium below 2,300 mg for most adults; this loaf has moderate sodium per serving, so be mindful when pairing it with salty dishes.

Why You’ll Love It

This Cheesy Bread hits multiple joyful notes: the irresistible, warm aroma that welcomes family into the kitchen; the nostalgic comfort it brings—like a slice of home; and the sheer ease of assembly. It’s fast to prepare, requires no yeast or kneading, and delivers the indulgent satisfaction of melted cheese in every bite. It’s ideal for busy mornings, casual entertaining, or when you want a simple, crowd-pleasing side that elevates any meal.

How to Make Cheesy Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 240 g)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (240 ml; whole or 2% recommended)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (about 56–60 g)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (about 113 g — cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

• Use 1 cup grated sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or 1 cup shredded mozzarella for a stretchier melt.
• Substitute up to 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour for a nuttier note (reduce total flour to 1 3/4 cups when mixing in whole wheat to preserve texture).
• For lower fat: use 2% or skim milk and reduced-fat cheese; flavor and texture will be slightly different.
• To make it dairy-free/vegan: use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free shredded cheese (see Variations section for more).

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and melted butter until smooth.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing — a few lumps are fine.
5. Fold in the shredded cheese and, if using, the garlic powder and black pepper. Save a small handful of cheese to sprinkle on top if you like a cheesier crust.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on the surface if desired.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Practical tips:

• Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf; stir until ingredients are just combined.
• If you want a crispier top, slide the loaf under the broiler for 1–2 minutes toward the end of baking—watch carefully.
• Use freshly shredded cheese when possible; pre-shredded blends often contain anti-caking agents that melt differently.

For a richer, garlicky twist, try folding in a tablespoon of minced roasted garlic or a sprinkle of fresh chives — and if you’re curious how others embellish cheesy loaves, this creative version pairs cheese with seafood nicely: a cheesy garlic bread and shrimp idea.

Best Pairings

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or herb butter (parsley + lemon zest) for an irresistible snack.
• Accompany tomato soup, creamy bisques, or chili—its dense crumb soaks up brothy goodness.
• Use slices as the base for open-faced sandwiches or grilled cheese upgrades.
• Offer alongside breakfast: eggs, sautéed greens, or smoked salmon.
• Cube and toss into salads as an indulgent crouton alternative.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Bread will stay moist but is best consumed within this window.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Warm gently in a low oven or toaster oven to revive texture.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Always let the bread cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Cheese choice matters: sharp cheddar gives strong flavor; mozzarella gives excellent stretch; a mix (half sharp cheddar + half mozzarella) balances flavor and melt.
• Grate your own cheese if possible — shredded blocks melt more smoothly than pre-shredded blends.
• Room-temperature milk blends more evenly; melted butter should be warm but not hot to avoid cooking the milk or curdling.
• If your bread is turning out dense, check your baking powder — it loses potency with age. Fresh leavening gives the lift this quick bread needs.
• For an extra-crispy edge, bake in a cast-iron skillet instead of a loaf pan.

Creative Twists

• Jalapeño Cheddar: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapeños and 1/4 cup corn kernels for spicy-sweet pockets.
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Add 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; swap half the cheddar for grated Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free Cheesy Bread: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Baking time may vary.
• Vegan Option: Replace milk with unsweetened soy or oat milk, butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based shredded cheese (texture will differ).

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I swap self-rising flour for all-purpose?
A: If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and reduce added salt slightly; adjust based on the flour’s salt content.

Q: My bread is dense — why?
A: Common causes are overmixing, expired baking powder, or too much liquid. Mix just until combined and confirm your leavening is fresh.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like ham or olives?
A: Yes — fold in up to 1 cup of diced add-ins, but keep them small and evenly distributed to preserve structure.

Q: How do I make it less salty?
A: Use low-sodium cheese or reduce added salt by half; taste and adjust if using particularly salty cheeses.

Q: Can I reheat slices in the microwave?
A: You can, but the texture will be softer. For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or 325°F oven for a crispier crust.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Bread is an easy, soul-warming loaf that brings comfort to any table—whether you’re serving it up for breakfast, soup night, or a casual get-together. Try the basic recipe, then make it your own with the variations and tips above. If you’d like a no-knead cheese-focused approach for inspiration, check out this excellent round from a no-knead cheese bread method. And for another beloved take on cheesy loafs with helpful photos, see the Cheesy Bread Recipe featured at Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

If you make this loaf, I’d love to hear how you served it and what twists you tried—share your photos and tips in the comments or on social media so we can build more cozy, cheesy memories together.