Cheesy Bread Loaf Recipe

Cheesy Bread Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Bread:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Cheese Topping:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
   • Add salt, olive oil, and gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
2. Shape and Second Rise:
   • Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
   • Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the pan.
3. Add the Cheese Topping:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Brush the top of the risen dough with melted butter. Mix together the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly crispy.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
   • Serve warm, ideally with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Conclusion:

This cheesy bread loaf is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, offering a delicious blend of soft, fluffy bread with a rich, cheesy crust. It’s also great for dipping in soups or enjoying on its own as a savory snack. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results!