Cheese Bread
Why Make This Recipe
Cheese bread is a delightful treat that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Its rich flavors and cheesy goodness make it a favorite among cheese lovers. Making cheese bread at home allows you to customize the types of cheese and seasonings, creating a unique flavor that your family and friends will love. It’s perfect for gatherings, snack time, or simply enjoying with a warm bowl of soup.
How to Make Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant/rapid-rise yeast
- 2½ tablespoons sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons salt
- 1¼ cups water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz Gruyere cheese (1½ cups)
- 6 oz cheddar cheese (1½ cups)
- 4 oz feta cheese (1 cup)
- ¼ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 4 large eggs (for topping)
- Flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Directions:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly mix in the water and softened butter, stirring until combined.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Place the dough in a warm area and let it rise for about 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, divide the dough into 4 equal balls and refrigerate them for 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, mix the Gruyere, cheddar, feta, and Pecorino Romano cheeses in a bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out each dough ball into an oval shape. Place a generous amount of cheese mixture down the center and fold the dough to create a boat shape.
- Brush the edges with the beaten egg to seal them.
- Bake the cheese boats for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Carefully crack an egg into the center of each khachapuri and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the egg is opaque.
- Serve warm, garnished with flaky sea salt and chopped dill if desired.
How to Serve Cheese Bread
Cheese bread is best served warm and fresh out of the oven. It makes a wonderful appetizer, side dish, or snack. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a salad or soup for a complete meal. The gooey cheese paired with the fluffy bread is truly irresistible.
How to Store Cheese Bread
To store leftover cheese bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cheese bread. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Cheese Bread
- Make sure your water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, place a pan of water on the bottom of the oven while baking to create steam.
Variation
You can add spinach or cooked bacon to the cheese mixture for added flavor. For a spicy twist, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella, provolone, or blue cheese can all be great options.
2. How do I know when the bread is done?
The cheese bread should be golden brown. You can also check if the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly mix in the water and softened butter, stirring until combined.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Place the dough in a warm area and let it rise for about 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, divide the dough into 4 equal balls and refrigerate them for 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, mix the Gruyere, cheddar, feta, and Pecorino Romano cheeses in a bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out each dough ball into an oval shape. Place a generous amount of cheese mixture down the center and fold the dough to create a boat shape.
- Brush the edges with the beaten egg to seal them.
- Bake the cheese boats for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Carefully crack an egg into the center of each khachapuri and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the egg is opaque.