Papa Murphy's Cheese Bread: Baking Guide

how to cook papa murphy

Papa Murphy's cheese bread is a popular menu item that can be cooked at home. The classic cheesy bread was discontinued, but the five-cheese bread is available, and can be cooked in the oven for 8 to 14 minutes at 425°F. The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight, and the bread can be served with marinara dipping sauce.

How to Cook Papa Murphy's Cheese Bread

Characteristics Values
Oven Temperature 425°F
Baking Time 8-14 minutes (varies by oven)
Altitude Adjustment Above 4,000 ft: 385-390°F for 2-3 minutes longer
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Dipping Sauce Marinara
Sauce Warming Instructions 15-20 seconds on HIGH in the microwave
Additional Instructions Caution: Very hot once baked. Oil and cheese may smoke/burn if spilled. Keep tray level.

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Preheat oven to 425°F

Preheating your oven to the right temperature is a crucial step in cooking Papa Murphy's cheese bread. The optimal temperature for cooking this delicious treat is 425°F. This temperature ensures the cheese bread is cooked evenly and thoroughly, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior.

To preheat your oven, start by checking that your oven is clean and free of any burnt residue or leftover food debris. This ensures that no unpleasant smells or smoke affect the taste of your cheese bread. Set the oven dial to 425°F. Most modern ovens will have a digital display that shows the current temperature, gradually increasing until it reaches the set temperature. If your oven does not have a digital display, you can invest in an oven thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature.

Allow sufficient time for preheating; it usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes for the oven to reach the desired temperature. During this time, avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this will cause heat to escape, and extend the preheating time. Once the oven has reached 425°F, you can proceed to the next step of baking your Papa Murphy's cheese bread.

For those residing at higher altitudes, above 4,000 feet, it is recommended to adjust the oven temperature slightly. Instead of 425°F, preheat your oven to 385–390°F, and increase the baking time by 2 to 3 minutes. This adjustment accounts for the changes in air pressure and baking conditions at higher altitudes.

Remember, preheating your oven to the correct temperature is essential for achieving the best results with your Papa Murphy's cheese bread. By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, cheesy treat!

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Prepare the dough

To prepare the dough for Papa Murphy's cheese bread, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Active dry yeast
  • Warm water
  • Sugar
  • Bread flour
  • Garlic salt
  • Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano
  • Butter

Start by mixing together the dry ingredients: combine the flour, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let this mixture stand for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, you can add small amounts of flour until it becomes more manageable.

Once the dough is kneaded, you can either use it immediately or let it rise for a fluffier texture. To let the dough rise, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Leave it in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can place it in the refrigerator overnight at this stage. Just remember to let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping it.

When you're ready to shape the dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You can use a rolling pin to get an even thickness, aiming for a rectangular shape that will fit into your baking dish.

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Add butter and cheese

To make Papa Murphy's cheese bread, you'll need to add butter and cheese. Here's a step-by-step guide for this part of the process:

First, spread the whipped butter over the middle of the dough, creating a perimeter of crust that remains untouched by butter. You can use a spatula for this step, spreading the butter evenly across the dough. The butter forms a delicious base layer for the cheese and helps to create a golden, crispy crust.

Next, it's time to add the cheese! For an authentic Papa Murphy's experience, use shredded mozzarella cheese as your base layer. Spread the mozzarella evenly across the buttered area of the dough, ensuring it is distributed evenly. You can use fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy texture and flavour.

After the mozzarella, it's time for the other cheeses. Papa Murphy's uses a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, both shredded. Sprinkle these cheeses generously over the mozzarella layer, adding a delicious blend of sharp and mild flavours. The combination of cheeses creates a complex and indulgent taste sensation.

Finally, you have the option to add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the cheese layer. This step is optional but recommended, as it adds an extra layer of flavour and aroma to the bread. The Italian seasoning complements the cheeses beautifully.

Now that you've added the butter and cheese, your Papa Murphy's cheese bread is almost ready for baking! Just remember to preheat your oven and prepare the dough beforehand, following the previous steps in the recipe. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

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Bake for 15-18 minutes

Once you've prepared the dough and spread the butter and cheese on top, it's time to bake your Papa Murphy's cheese bread! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place your dough on the center rack of the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Remember to rotate the dough halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cheese bread is ready when the cheese is melted and the dough is cooked through.

While the official baking time is 15-18 minutes, the exact baking duration may vary depending on your oven and the altitude of your location. For instance, if you live at an altitude above 4,000 feet, it is recommended to bake at 385–390°F and increase the baking time by 2 to 3 minutes. Always keep an eye on your bread to avoid overcooking or burning.

After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to settle and ensures that you don't burn yourself when handling it. The cheese and oil can get extremely hot, so be cautious!

Once the bread has cooled slightly, it's time to cut it. Cut the bread into squares or slices—whatever shape you prefer. Now, you're ready to serve your Papa Murphy's cheese bread! Don't forget to serve it with your favourite Papa Murphy's dipping sauce or some marinara sauce on the side. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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Serve with marinara sauce

Papa Murphy's cheese bread can be served with marinara sauce. The official Papa Murphy's website recommends warming the marinara dipping sauce cup in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds on high. Cut the cheese bread into squares and serve with the warmed marinara sauce.

If you are making the cheese bread from scratch, you can make your own marinara sauce to go with it. You can find many recipes for marinara sauce online, and you can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Typically, a marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil and oregano. You can also add spices such as red pepper flakes to give it a little kick.

To make a basic marinara sauce, you can sauté some chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Then, add canned crushed tomatoes and their juices, along with some basil, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the onions and garlic, or you can use a food processor or blender to purée the finished sauce. You can also add some sugar or tomato paste to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Once your marinara sauce is ready, simply serve it alongside the cheese bread for dipping or spreading. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil on top of the sauce for added flavour and garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Bake the cheese bread for approximately 8 to 14 minutes.

Let the cheese bread cool for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Papa Murphy's cheese bread is often served with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or Italian dressing.

It is recommended to bake and consume Papa Murphy's cheese bread fresh. However, if you need to store it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

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