Cheesy Bread Recipe

Cheesy Bread Recipe: A Gooey, Cheesy Delight

This Cheesy Bread recipe is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread and gooey, melty cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, appetizer, or a snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Cheesy Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (approximately 12×8 inches).
   • Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
   • Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seams to seal.
   • Place the log seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Cut diagonal slashes on the top without cutting all the way through.
4. Bake the Bread:
   • Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
5. Serve:
   • Let the bread cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and slice to serve.

Cooking Notes

• Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese combinations, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or pepper jack.
• Extra Flavor: Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sliced jalapeños to the cheese filling.
• Storage: Store leftover cheesy bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Variations

1. Garlic Herb Cheesy Bread:
   • Add fresh minced garlic and chopped herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough for an aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Cheesy Bread:
   • Incorporate red pepper flakes into the cheese filling for a kick of heat.
3. Stuffed Cheesy Bread:
   • Add layers of deli meat, like pepperoni or ham, to the filling for a heartier option.

Keto and Low-Carb Version

Ingredient Adjustments:

• Use almond flour (2 cups) and shredded mozzarella (2 cups) to make a fathead dough.
• Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.

Instructions:

• Prepare the fathead dough by melting mozzarella cheese and mixing it with almond flour, egg, and a sweetener.
• Roll out the dough, add the cheese filling, and follow the same assembly and baking instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before using.

2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

• Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a great time-saver.

3. What can I serve with cheesy bread?

• Serve it with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a warm bowl of soup.

4. How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

• Ensure the cheese filling isn’t overly wet and avoid overstuffing the bread.

5. Can I freeze cheesy bread?

• Yes, freeze baked cheesy bread wrapped tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

This Cheesy Bread recipe is an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging in a comforting snack, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Try out different variations and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!