Cheese Bread Recipe

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This cheese bread recipe is delightfully easy to make and results in a soft, cheesy, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect as a side dish for dinner or served as a snack. The garlic butter topping adds a mouth-watering finish that makes this bread irresistible. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • A pinch of onion powder
  • A pinch of dried parsley

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
  3. Add Cheese:
    • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This helps ensure that the cheese is well incorporated and doesn’t clump together.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, and melted unsalted butter until fully combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir using a spatula or a wooden spoon just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
  6. Bake the Bread:
    • Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
    • Place in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
  7. Prepare the Topping:
    • While the bread is baking, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, sea salt, onion powder, and dried parsley for the topping.
  8. Apply the Topping and Finish Baking:
    • Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the top with the garlic butter mixture.
    • Return the bread to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the topping to set and become slightly crispy.
  9. Cool and Serve:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool further.
    • Slice and serve warm.

Tips:

  • Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack for a spicier kick.
  • Serving Suggestions: This cheese bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
  • Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

This cheese bread with its aromatic garlic butter topping is a straightforward recipe that brings a lot of flavors and warmth to any meal. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the combination of bread and cheese with a delightful hint of herbs and spices. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!