Andy Montoya
There are many dishes that feature bread and melted cheese. One example is cheese bread, which involves baking bread with cheese stuffed inside. This can be achieved by slicing a loaf and adding cheese in between the slices, or by mixing cheese into the dough before baking. Another example is a cheese toastie, where cheese is sandwiched between two slices of bread and toasted until the cheese melts. Similarly, a grilled cheese sandwich involves grilling a cheese sandwich until the cheese melts. A more indulgent option is a bread boat, where the centre of a loaf is scooped out, stuffed with cheese, and baked until melted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Cheese Bread, Cheesy Bread, Cheese Fondue Bread Boat |
| Ingredients | Bread, Cheese, Butter, Buttermilk, Water, Yeast, Sugar, Herbs, Garlic |
| Best Cheeses | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Mexican Blend, Gruyère, Emmental, Reblochon |
| Preparation | Bake, Slice, Stuff, Twist, Shape, Brush, Spread, Cover, Rest |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese bread recipes
There are many recipes for bread with melted cheese inside, and most are quite simple to make. The basic ingredients are flour, salt, water, cheese, and yeast. Bread flour is best because it has more protein, which means more gluten, resulting in a dough that is more elastic and yields a fluffier yet chewier texture. However, plain or all-purpose flour can also be used. Instant yeast is best as it does not need to be dissolved in water first, but normal yeast can be used as well, just be sure to dissolve it in water first.
For the cheese, harder cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, gouda, or colby cheese are recommended. Soft cheeses should be avoided. For the best taste and texture, shred the cheese off the block yourself with a cheese grater. If you want to add extra cheese, cut some small squares to stuff inside the twisted bread.
To prepare the dough, mix flour, salt, yeast, and liquid (a combination of buttermilk and water, or just water) in a bowl. Buttermilk produces a phenomenal flavor and texture. The liquid activates the yeast, and sugar increases its activity and tenderizes the dough. For a softer and more flavorful bread, use melted butter instead of room-temperature butter.
Once the dough is prepared, shape it and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 240°C/450°F (220°C fan-forced). Before baking, brush the shaped dough with melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped herbs like parsley or basil. Bake the bread in a loaf pan, then slice it to reveal the swirled cheese inside.
For a simpler recipe that doesn't require shaping or twisting, try an asiago-crusted skillet bread. Simply fold and pile the cheese into a no-knead crusty artisan bread dough, and bake it in a skillet.
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Cheesy bread toppings
Cheesy bread is a quick, easy, and delicious snack, appetiser, or side dish. It is a cross between garlic bread and pizza and can be loaded up with your favourite toppings. Here are some ideas for cheesy bread toppings:
Herbs
Include fresh or dried herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, or rosemary. You can mix these into the buttery spread or sprinkle them on top of the cheese.
Meat
For a meat lover's cheesy bread, top with meats such as sausage, pepperoni, or salami.
Vegetables
Vegetarian topping options include olives, mushrooms, and green bell peppers.
Other toppings
Other toppings that go well with cheese bread are garlic, butter, mayonnaise, sour cream, and green onions.
Different cheeses
You can also try different types of cheese such as provolone, muenster, Monterey jack, Colby jack, mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or parmesan.
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Cheesy bread storage
Cheesy bread is a delicious treat, but it can be tricky to store. Here are some tips to ensure your cheesy bread stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible:
Firstly, let the bread cool completely before storing it. Freshly baked bread needs to rest and set before being sliced or stored. This helps retain moisture and keeps the bread from becoming gummy or sticky. It's best to wait at least an hour, or even two if you can resist the temptation of warm, cheesy bread!
Once cooled, the bread can be stored in a similar way to regular bread. A bread box is an excellent option for keeping your cheesy bread fresh. It helps regulate moisture and prevents the bread from drying out. If you don't have a bread box, a reusable wrap or a large airtight container can also work well. Keep the bread cut-side down to prevent it from drying out prematurely.
If you live in a high-humidity environment, consider storing your cheesy bread in the refrigerator to prevent moulding. It will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the bread for longer-term storage. Freeze it whole and slice it only after defrosting and reheating to maintain freshness.
Lastly, be mindful of the ingredients used in your cheesy bread. If you've added cured meats like salami or prosciutto, it's best to store the bread in the fridge to be cautious. The cheese itself is less of a concern, as it's cooked into the bread, and the bread will likely mould before the cheese goes bad.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your cheesy bread over several days or even months, depending on your storage method. Remember, proper storage ensures your bread stays fresh, tasty, and safe to eat!
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Bread with melted cheese inside
There are many ways to make bread with melted cheese inside, and it is a dish that is loved by kids and adults alike. The simplest way to make it is to slice a baguette in half lengthwise and spread butter on it. Then, shredded cheese is sprinkled on top, and the baguette is baked in an oven until the cheese melts. This bread can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a base for easy French bread pizzas.
For a more indulgent version of this dish, a combination of buttermilk and water can be used to make the dough, resulting in a soft, flavourful, and chewy cheese bread. Sugar can be added to feed the yeast and tenderize the dough, while melted butter adds flavour and softness. The best cheeses for this recipe are those that melt very well, such as shredded mozzarella or a Mexican blend. Once the bread is baked, it can be sliced to reveal the swirls of melted cheese inside.
Another variation of bread with melted cheese inside is the cheese fondue bread boat. To make this, the top of a bread loaf is cut off, and the inside is scooped out to make a boat. The scooped-out bread is cut into bite-sized cubes. Garlic is mixed into melted butter, and this garlic butter is brushed onto the bread boat. The bread cubes are then dipped in the remaining garlic butter and baked in the oven until the cheese is warm and melty.
For those who prefer their bread with a harder texture, a cheese bread recipe recommends using harder cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, gouda, or colby. Freshly shredded cheese is preferred over pre-shredded cheese as it is not as dry. The bread can be shaped into twists and stuffed with small squares of cheese for an interesting texture.
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Cheese types for bread
Bread and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are many types of cheese you can use to bake delicious bread. The type of cheese you choose will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve, as well as your budget. Here are some options to consider:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a great option for baking bread as it is readily available and affordable. It has a strong flavour and a relatively hard texture, making it ideal for shredding and adding to your dough. For the best taste and texture, shred the cheese yourself using a cheese grater, as pre-shredded cheese tends to be drier.
Gruyere
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that offers both salty and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for bread baking. Younger Gruyere is softer and easier to handle, making it ideal for baking purposes. However, if you want a more complex flavour, you can opt for fully-aged Gruyere, which has a deeper, almost earthy tone.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a crumbled cheese similar to feta or blue cheese. Its strong flavour and tanginess make it a worthwhile choice for bread baking. It is easy to mix into your bread recipe, and its bold flavour will ensure that it stands out in your baked bread.
Mozzarella
If you're looking for a mild, stretchy, and easy-to-melt cheese, mozzarella is a great option. It pairs well with savory flavours like herbs and olives. For bread baking, opt for fresh mozzarella, which is creamier and melts better. However, if you want a more assertive bread, smoked mozzarella is a good alternative, as it provides a burst of chewy, smoky flavour.
Asiago
Asiago is a wonderful cheese for bread as it holds its strong flavour and aroma without melting too much. It is a good option if you want your bread to have a cheesy flavour without becoming overly gooey.
Other Considerations
When choosing a cheese for your bread, it is important to consider the intensity of the flavour you want to achieve. In general, stronger-flavoured cheeses are preferred when baking bread, as milder cheeses may get lost in the dough. Additionally, the age of the cheese can impact its flavour and texture, so choose accordingly.
For a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on flavour, you can try Jarlsberg, which has a similar flavour profile to more expensive, aged cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to complement your chosen cheese and create a truly unique bread.
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Frequently asked questions
It is called cheesy bread.
Cheeses that melt very well, such as mozzarella, Mexican blends, cheddar, gouda, or gruyère.
Cheesy bread will last up to 3 days in the fridge before it starts to turn stale.
Since this bread contains dairy, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can. Simply assemble the bread and place it on a baking sheet. Once it is completely frozen, wrap the bread in foil or put it in a bag and store it for up to 3 months.
