There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. Now imagine that, but with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, plus a hint of savory herbs. That’s exactly what this Cheese Bread delivers! It’s the ultimate side dish for soups, pastas, or even just as a snack on its own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and irresistibly delicious.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHEESE BREAD
This Cheese Bread isn’t your average loaf—it’s loaded with flavor, soft on the inside, and golden and crusty on the outside. The mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives it a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess, while the combination of garlic powder, oregano, and thyme infuses it with a subtle herby aroma. The best part? It requires no yeast, meaning no proofing or long rise times. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
This easy-to-make cheese bread comes together with simple pantry staples:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature so your cheese bread rises perfectly and bakes through.
While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Pro Tip: If you love a crispier crust, dust the greased pan lightly with flour before adding the batter.
STEP 2: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda), which will give your bread a nice rise. The garlic powder and herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the cheese.
STEP 3: ADD THE CHEESE
Once the dry ingredients are combined, stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This helps coat the cheese with the flour mixture, preventing it from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking.
Why This Works: The flour helps the cheese stay suspended throughout the bread, ensuring that every bite is packed with cheesy goodness!
STEP 4: PREPARE THE WET INGREDIENTS
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Melted butter
- Eggs
Whisking these ingredients separately before adding them to the dry mix helps create a smoother batter and ensures the eggs are evenly incorporated.
Don’t Have Buttermilk? No problem! You can make your own buttermilk substitute by mixing 1¼ cups of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
STEP 5: COMBINE THE BATTER
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture until just combined.
Important Tip: Do not overmix! A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense and tough loaf rather than a soft and fluffy one.
At this stage, your batter will be thick and slightly sticky—exactly how it should be!
STEP 6: TRANSFER TO THE LOAF PAN
Spoon the batter into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the top.
If you want an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar on top before baking. This will create a beautiful golden layer of melted cheese with a slight crispiness.
STEP 7: BAKE THE BREAD
Place the loaf pan into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.
You’ll know the bread is ready when:
- The top is a rich golden brown.
- A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
- The edges slightly pull away from the pan.
If the top is browning too quickly but the center still feels underbaked, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
STEP 8: COOL THE BREAD
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove.
After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the bread onto a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Why Cool Completely?
While it may be tempting to slice into the bread right away, allowing it to cool helps it finish setting inside. Cutting too soon may cause the bread to crumble or have a gummy texture.
STEP 9: SLICE AND SERVE
Once cooled, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
This Cheese Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair it with soups: It’s the perfect side for creamy tomato soup, potato soup, or even a hearty beef stew.
- Serve with pasta: This bread complements dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna beautifully.
- Enjoy as a snack: Toast a slice and slather it with butter for an afternoon treat.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard not to eat the whole loaf in one sitting!), here’s how to store them properly:
- At Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in foil for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.
- In the Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer.
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster, oven, or microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft, cheesy goodness.
EXPERT TIPS & VARIATIONS
Want to customize this Cheese Bread? Here are some great ways to make it your own:
- Add more cheese: Try mixing in Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for different flavors.
- Make it spicy: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Garlic butter glaze: Brush the loaf with melted garlic butter right after baking for an extra flavorful crust.
- Use fresh herbs: Swap dried oregano and thyme for chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for a fresher taste.
- Make mini loaves: Use a muffin tin or mini loaf pans for single-serving cheese bread portions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Even though this Cheese Bread is simple to make, you might still have a few questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones to help you bake the perfect loaf every time.
1. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FLOUR?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the bread slightly denser. If you want a lighter whole wheat version, try using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.
If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
2. WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF BUTTERMILK?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute:
- Option 1: Mix 1¼ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Option 2: Use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little milk to reach the same consistency as buttermilk.
These alternatives will help maintain the bread’s soft texture and tangy flavor.
3. WHY DID MY BREAD TURN OUT DENSE?
A few common reasons could cause dense cheese bread:
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much develops the gluten, making the bread tough. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
- Expired baking powder or baking soda: These leavening agents lose their effectiveness over time. Make sure yours are fresh.
- Incorrect measuring: Always measure flour using the spoon and level method (scooping flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off) instead of packing it in. Too much flour will make the bread dense.
4. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS BREAD EVEN CHEESIER?
If you love extra cheese, try these additions:
- Increase the cheddar and mozzarella by ½ cup each for a cheesier loaf.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of the batter before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Mix in small cubes of cheese instead of just shredded cheese. This creates pockets of melted cheese inside the bread.
5. CAN I MAKE THIS BREAD AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! This Cheese Bread keeps well for a few days and can even be frozen for later.
If making ahead:
- Bake the bread as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To refresh the bread, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or toast them lightly.
6. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH CHEESE BREAD?
This bread pairs well with a variety of meals and snacks, including:
- Soups & Stews: Perfect with tomato soup, potato soup, or a hearty chili.
- Salads: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar or garden salad.
- Breakfast: Toasted with scrambled eggs or avocado.
- Snacks: Enjoy with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey.
It’s also great for sandwiches—try it with ham, turkey, or roasted veggies for a delicious twist!
7. CAN I ADD OTHER INGREDIENTS TO THE BATTER?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for other mix-ins:
- Cooked bacon or ham for a smoky, savory touch.
- Chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an extra depth of flavor.
Just be sure not to add too many extra ingredients, as they may change the texture of the bread.
CONCLUSION: TRY THIS EASY CHEESE BREAD TODAY!
Now that you have everything you need to make this deliciously cheesy, herby bread, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re serving it with dinner, enjoying it as a snack, or toasting it for breakfast, this Cheese Bread is guaranteed to be a hit.
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Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Description
This Cheese Bread is packed with cheesy goodness and a blend of savory herbs, making it the perfect side for soups, pasta, or just as a snack on its own. With a golden crust and soft, flavorful interior, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme.
3️⃣ Add the Cheese:
Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to evenly distribute them throughout the dry ingredients.
4️⃣ Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
5️⃣ Combine the Batter:
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Do not overmix—a few lumps are okay!
6️⃣ Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool the Bread:
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Notes
✔ Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
✔ Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
✔ Extra Flavor: Add chopped green onions, bacon bits, or red pepper flakes for a delicious twist!
✔ Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1¼ cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 slices
