Melting Cheesy Goodness: Baking Bread In The Oven

Whether you're making a simple side dish or a more complex recipe, knowing how long to bake cheese onto bread in the oven is a useful skill. The answer depends on the type of bread and cheese you're using, as well as your oven's temperature. For instance, a recipe for cheesy garlic bread suggests baking for 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while a no-knead cheese bread recipe recommends baking for 40 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bread type: French, Italian, or homemade

French Bread

To make cheesy garlic bread with French bread, preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut a French baguette in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese. Spread this mixture evenly on each side of the bread. Top with Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the butter is melted and bubbly. For a crispier texture, broil the top for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Italian Bread

Italian cheese bread can be made with store-bought or homemade dough. To make the dough from scratch, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, quick-rise yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and canola oil in a large bowl. Beat until blended, and then stir in additional flour to form a soft dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, for about 1-2 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Punch the dough down and place it on a greased 12-inch pizza pan. Pat it into a 12-inch circle. Brush with Italian salad dressing and sprinkle with seasonings and shredded cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Homemade Bread

To make homemade cheese bread, you will need a stand mixer or a large glass mixing bowl, a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, a rolling pin, a 9x5-inch loaf pan, a whisk, a pastry brush, and a cooling rack. Start by preparing the dough. In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together warmed buttermilk, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Then, add melted butter, egg, salt, garlic powder, and 1 cup of bread flour. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the remaining flour. Beat until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, which should take about 2 minutes.

Next, knead the dough for 5 minutes. You can do this in the mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface. After kneading, the dough should feel slightly soft. Poke it with your finger, and if it slowly bounces back, it is ready to rise. Alternatively, you can perform the "windowpane test" by stretching a small piece of dough until it is thin enough for light to pass through. If the dough doesn't tear and light passes through, it is ready to rise.

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 9x15-inch rectangle. Sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Tightly roll the dough into a 15-inch log and place it seam-side down. Cut the log in half lengthwise and criss-cross one half on top of the other, forming an "X". Tightly twist the two pieces together and pinch the outer edges to seal. If desired, cut a few small squares of cheese and tuck them into the dough. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and cover it. Let the loaf rest for about 30 minutes. It will slightly rise during this time.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Adjust the rack to the lower third position and place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any cheese or butter that may drip. Before baking, whisk together melted butter, herbs, and garlic powder. Drizzle or brush this topping on the dough. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when gently tapped. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve.

This homemade cheese bread can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Oven temperature: 350-450°F

The time it takes to bake cheese onto bread in the oven depends on the temperature you set your oven to. If you are baking at a temperature between 350-450°F, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 10 to 50 minutes.

At 350°F, it will take around 45-50 minutes to bake cheese bread. The bread should reach an internal temperature of about 185°F. After 25 minutes, you may need to rotate the pans and cover them with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.

At 400°F, it will take 12-15 minutes to bake cheesy garlic bread. You can also broil the top for a minute or two for a crispier texture.

At 450°F, it will take 35 minutes to bake a no-knead cheese bread. After 35 minutes, remove the lid from the pot and bake for another 10 minutes to colour the surface.

It's important to keep an eye on your bread while it's in the oven, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and other factors.

Cheese type: cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a mix

Baking Bread with Cheddar, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a Mix

Baking cheese onto bread in the oven is a great way to make a delicious snack or side dish. The type of cheese you use can vary depending on your preference, and the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. Here are some instructions for baking bread with cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a mix of these cheeses:

Cheddar Cheese Bread

To make cheddar cheese bread, you can follow a similar process to the one outlined in the previous response for baking cheese onto bread. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your bread by slicing it lengthwise and placing it on a baking sheet. For cheddar cheese bread, you can use a French bread loaf or any other type of bread that pairs well with cheddar.

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning (optional). Spread this mixture evenly on each side of the bread. Then, top the bread with shredded cheddar cheese. You can use a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella, or just use cheddar if preferred.

Bake the bread in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning.

Mozzarella Cheese Bread

Baking bread with mozzarella cheese can be done in a similar way to the methods mentioned above, but there is an additional option of using a cast-iron skillet to create a bubbly, melted topping. Here are two methods:

• Cast-Iron Skillet Method: In a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-low heat. Sauté thinly sliced garlic cloves until fragrant, then add torn fresh mozzarella and drizzle with more olive oil. Place the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. You can also add other ingredients like crushed tomatoes, lemon zest, crushed red pepper, or cherry jam for different flavor variations.
• Oven-Baked Method: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your bread by slicing a French bread loaf lengthwise and placing it on a baking sheet. Combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then spread this mixture evenly on each side of the bread. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbly. You can also broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for a crispier top.

Colby Jack Cheese Bread

Colby Jack cheese is a great option for baking onto bread, and you can follow a similar process to the previous methods. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 3/4 cup of warm water. Add shredded Colby Jack cheese, milk, sugar, butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Beat the mixture by hand or with a mixer for about 3 minutes. Stir in additional flour to make a firm dough, but do not knead the dough.

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Transfer the dough to two greased loaf pans and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. In a small bowl, combine an egg white with water and brush this mixture on top of the loaves. Sprinkle with your desired topping.

Bake the bread at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.

Mixing Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Colby Jack

You can also get creative and mix different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, to create a unique flavor profile for your baked bread. Simply follow the methods mentioned above and adjust the baking time as needed, keeping a close eye on the bread to prevent over-browning.

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy bread!

Additional toppings: garlic, butter, herbs

Garlic bread is a tasty side dish that can be made even better with the addition of cheese. But why stop there? Adding garlic, butter, and herbs can take your garlic bread to the next level. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your garlic bread with these additional toppings:

• Garlic: The key to a great garlic flavour is to use fresh garlic. Minced garlic cloves or grated garlic will add a robust garlic taste to your bread. If you want a less potent garlic flavour, you can use roasted garlic or garlic powder.
• Butter: Using butter will give your garlic bread a soft and flavorful profile. Spread softened butter on your bread before adding the other toppings. You can also mix butter with garlic and herbs to create a delicious garlic herb butter spread.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and chives will add a wonderful aroma and flavour to your garlic bread. You can chop them finely and mix them with the garlic and butter, or sprinkle them on top of the bread before baking. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.

When adding these additional toppings to your garlic bread, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also try adding other ingredients like red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Remember to adjust the baking time as needed, and always keep an eye on your garlic bread to avoid over-baking. Enjoy your cheesy, garlicky creation!

Baking time: 10-15 minutes

How Long to Bake Cheese Onto Bread in the Oven

The baking time depends on the type of bread and cheese you are using, as well as your oven's temperature. A good rule of thumb is to bake your cheesy bread for 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F (177-200°C).

• Preheat your oven to the desired temperature.
• Prepare your bread by slicing it in half lengthwise. If you are using a softer bread, like French bread, place it on a baking sheet with the cut side up.
• In a small bowl, combine your desired toppings. This could include butter, olive oil, garlic (fresh or granulated), salt, and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños for a spicier kick. Mix these ingredients well.
• Spread the mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to coat the edges to prevent burning.
• Cover the bread with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove the bread from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle your desired cheese generously over the bread. You can use shredded mozzarella, parmesan, Colby Jack, or a combination of cheeses.
• Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. If you want a crispier bread and a more golden cheese, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes.
• Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish and flavor.
• Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

Frequently asked questions