Fresh Homemade Cheese Bread

Marie Overton
1 hour ago
4 min read

I love this cheese bread recipe because it gives you the sourdough -like taste without needing any starter. Baking your bread at home is a lovely experience, especially when the aroma fills the house. This fragrant loaf not only has a delightful taste but also enhances the taste of so many different meals. This recipe does take a little more time but it is SO worth it.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you start, gather these essential ingredients:

White Bread Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey
1 1/4 cups warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C)

Cheese Bread Dough:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
60g (2.1 oz or about 1/4 cup) fermented dough
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey
1/4 cup rice flour
3/4 cups warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C)
2/3 cup cheese

Experiment with different cheeses to see what kind you like best. I tend to prefer the sharp cheeses for this recipe but I have enjoyed it with cheddar and gouda as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Fermented Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by mixing the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy. This activation is crucial for proper rising.

Step 2: Add the rest of the Ingredients

Add the flour and salt to the mix.

Step 3: Mix

Mix on low speed for 4 minutes until the dough comes together, use a dough hook, a wooden spoon or your hands.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

If kneading by hand, knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Otherwise, change the dough mixer speed to medium and mix for 6 minutes. If it's too sticky, add more flour as necessary. Consistent kneading develops gluten, which is essential for structure.

Hands kneading dough in a white bowl on a black table. Nearby, a mixer and floral-patterned cloth add a cozy kitchen vibe.

Step 5: Ferment

Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm location for 24 hours. This will allow it to ferment and give the dough a sourdough type flavor.

Cheese Bread Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by mixing the fermented dough, warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy. This activation is crucial for proper rising.

(The recipe for fermented dough will make enough for 13 batches of cheese bread. It stays good in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add the flours and salt to the mix.

Step 3: Mix

Mix on low speed for 4 minutes until the dough comes together, use a dough hook, a wooden spoon or your hands.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Hands slicing cheese on a wooden cutting board, next to a glass measuring cup and metal pot, on a dark countertop.

If kneading by hand, knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Otherwise, change the dough mixer speed to medium and mix for 6 minutes. If it's too sticky, add more flour as necessary. Consistent kneading develops gluten, which is essential for structure.

Finally, add the diced cheese and mix it in well.

Step 5: Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm location for 1 hour.

Hands shaping a dough ball on a speckled counter, with floral cloth and dough piece nearby.

Step 6: Divide the dough and Second Rise

Once risen, divide it into 3 pieces and shape them into balls.

Cover the dough and allow it to rise for 30 minutes

Hands kneading dough on a speckled countertop, beside a red and white checkered cloth. The dough is circular, and the scene exudes focus.

Step 7: Shape loaves and Third Rise

Hands shaping dough balls on a speckled countertop, with a red and white checkered cloth nearby, creating a focused kitchen atmosphere.

Turn the ball upside down. Press a line in the center of the ball and fold it in half like a taco. Pinch the two sides together and gently roll the loaf so it isn't so flat.

Position the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Hands shaping dough on a speckled countertop beside a pink-striped cloth. Dough balls are evenly spaced, suggesting a baking preparation.

Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 60 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while the dough rises. This ensures even baking and helps develop a nice crust.

At this point, add a dish of water to the oven to create the humidity that is needed.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Hands slicing dough on a baking sheet with patterned mat, on a speckled countertop. Two other dough pieces are visible nearby.

Before baking, cut diagonal slits in the top. I usually make them about 1/2 inch deep.

Sprinkle the bottom of the oven with water.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Three golden brown loaves on a baking sheet with a red mat. Granite countertop, pink checkered cloth, top-down view, cozy mood.

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. This is vital for letting steam escape, preventing sogginess. Once cooled, slice and savor your homemade cheese bread!

Helpful Tips for Perfect cheese Bread

Bread and cheese on a wooden board. The bread is sliced with visible texture, and the cheese is partially cut. Burlap fabric is in the background.

Wrap Your Bread: Store your cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
Serve It Right: This delightful bread pairs well with pasta or can accompany soups and salads, rounding out your meal. It also makes great sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Making cheese bread at home is not just an enjoyable baking experience; it also fills your house with lovely aromas. With just a few simple and affordable ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf that everyone around the table will enjoy.