Cheese Bread Recipe

Warm, Gooey Cheese Bread Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, golden-brown cheese bread straight from the oven tantalizes every sense with its irresistible aroma.

Brazilian pão de queijo, a beloved cheese bread, brings comfort and joy to any gathering.

The soft, pillowy texture melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

Authentic Brazilian cheese bread combines simple ingredients like tapioca flour, eggs, and cheese into a magical creation.

Each morsel delivers a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and light, airy texture.

This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that will transport you to the heart of Brazil.

Bake these cheese bread rolls and watch them disappear within moments of hitting the table.

Why Cheese Bread Always Wins

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this delectable cheese bread with minimal effort, using basic kitchen ingredients and simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this savory bread as a side dish, appetizer, or standalone snack that complements multiple meals from soups to pasta, making it a go-to recipe for various dining occasions.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Indulge in a rich, cheesy experience with a perfect blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, enhanced by aromatic herbs like garlic, oregano, and thyme that create an irresistible taste profile.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delight everyone at the table with this crowd-pleasing bread that offers a golden, crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike.

What You’ll Need for Cheese Bread

Main Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A classic cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds depth to the bread.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread's structure.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise.
  • Salt, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Thyme: Seasonings that enhance the bread's flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk, Eggs, Melted Butter: Moisture and richness that bind the bread together.

Instructions for Baking Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your dry ingredients.

Whisk these together until they’re well-mixed:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Thyme

Step 3: Add Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in your cheese blend and stir gently to coat the dry ingredients:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the liquid components until they’re smooth:
  • Buttermilk
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs

Step 5: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Stir just until everything comes together.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – a few lumps are totally okay!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan.

Spread it out evenly and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the bread hang out in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then move it to a cooling rack and let it chill completely.

Step 8: Slice and Savor

Cut into thick, delicious slices.

This cheese bread is amazing alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature for maximum deliciousness!

Tips to Nail Soft Cheese Bread

  • Select high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor and smooth melting throughout the bread.
  • Stir ingredients gently until just combined to ensure a tender, light texture without developing tough gluten.
  • Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to create a consistent batter and prevent dense bread results.
  • Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperature and prevent uneven baking or burning.
  • Experiment with different dried herbs like basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to personalize the bread's flavor profile.

How to Keep Cheese Bread Fresh

  • Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, preventing moisture and preserving its delicious texture.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm slices at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to maintain moisture and restore the bread's soft, cheesy interior.
  • Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking to avoid overheating and maintaining the bread's quality.

Best Pairings for Cheese Bread

  • Pair Wine with Cheese Bliss: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay to complement the rich cheese flavors, cutting through the bread's buttery texture while enhancing its savory notes.
  • Match Soup Companions: Create a hearty meal by serving this cheese bread alongside creamy tomato soup, roasted butternut squash soup, or a robust minestrone to elevate the dining experience with complementary warmth and depth.
  • Create Salad Harmony: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette, featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts to balance the bread's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Suggest Protein Partners: Pair with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or herb-crusted salmon to transform the cheese bread into a complete, satisfying meal that highlights its cheesy, aromatic qualities.

Flavor Ideas for Cheese Bread

  • Gluten-Free Cheese Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese substitutes like cashew or almond cheese.
  • Low-Carb Cheese Bread: Use coconut flour or cauliflower base instead of traditional flour, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or chives to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the cheese bread's core structure.

FAQs

  • Why use buttermilk in this cheese bread recipe?

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender, soft texture by reacting with baking soda to make the bread lighter and more fluffy.

  • Can I substitute different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheeses based on your preference. Try using gouda, fontina, or provolone for different flavor profiles while maintaining similar cheese quantities.

  • What happens if I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the bread tough and dense instead of light and tender. Gently mix until ingredients are just combined to ensure a soft texture.

  • Is this cheese bread suitable for freezing?

You can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and briefly warm in the oven before serving.

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Cheese Bread Recipe

Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Brazilian cheese bread whisks hungry souls straight to São Paulo’s bustling streets. Crispy exterior and gooey center invite warm memories of comfort and culinary passion for anyone craving authentic Brazilian flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Main Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary utensils for creating a flavorful cheese bread.
  2. Activate the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal baking results.
  3. Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  4. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, using a whisk to eliminate potential clumping and create a uniform mixture.
  5. Incorporate the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the dry ingredient mixture, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout.
  6. In a separate vessel, vigorously blend buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until the liquid components form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
  7. Create the bread batter by gradually introducing the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring with controlled movements to maintain a light texture.
  8. Cease mixing the moment ingredients are integrated, allowing for a few small lumps to remain for optimal bread consistency.
  9. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure uniform distribution.
  10. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick.
  11. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to rest within the pan for 10 minutes, enabling initial cooling and structural stabilization.
  12. Carefully extract the bread from the pan and place on a cooling rack, permitting complete cooling before slicing.
  13. Serve the cheese bread at an ideal temperature – either warm or room temperature – as a delectable accompaniment to soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

Notes

  • Swap cheeses easily by using your favorite varieties or what’s available in your fridge for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Gluten-free bakers can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Enhance moisture by adding grated zucchini or finely chopped herbs like chives to boost nutrition and create interesting texture variations.
  • Prevent dry bread by checking doneness early and removing from oven the moment a toothpick comes out clean, as ovens can vary in temperature and performance.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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