Homemade cheese bread

Introduction

Cheese bread is a surprisingly simple yet utterly delicious homemade bread swirled with real cheese. This recipe yields a soft, buttery loaf filled with ribbons of melted cheese and a slightly crispy crust on top. The dough, adapted from traditional cinnamon swirl bread, offers a chewy texture inside with a hint of garlic herb butter on top, making it irresistible for any cheese lover. The magic of this cheese bread lies in its combination of buttermilk for a moist texture and shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect savory twist.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, warmed to about 110°F
1/3 cup (80ml) water, warmed to about 110°F
2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg at room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups (390g) bread flour, plus more as needed for the work surface
2 cups (250g) shredded cheddar cheese

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or your favorite herb)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the warm buttermilk, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, garlic powder, and 1 cup of flour. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and beat on low speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (about 2 minutes). If you don’t have a mixer, you can mix the dough manually using a large spoon.
Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough for an additional 5 minutes using a stand mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface. If the dough becomes too sticky, add a small amount of flour, a teaspoon at a time. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray. Place the dough into the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread:
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 9×15-inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border uncovered.
- Roll the dough into a 15-inch log, then place it seam-side down. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half.
- Criss-cross one half over the other, forming an “X” shape, and then twist the two halves together. Pinch the ends to seal.
Second Rise:
- Place the twisted dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes as you preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Add the Topping and Bake:
- Mix the melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder for the topping. Brush this mixture over the loaf.
- Place a baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven to catch any drips. Bake the bread on the lower third rack for 45-55 minutes until golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Slice the bread and enjoy! Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Homemade cheese bread is a delightful treat that combines the chewy texture of soft bread with the rich flavor of melted cheese. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and buttery flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for soups, breakfast, or a comforting snack. The process is straightforward, and the end result is a beautiful loaf with swirls of real cheese – truly a must-try for any home baker! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your preference. Happy baking!

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