Cheesy Bread: Choosing The Perfect Cheese For Your Taste

There are many types of cheese that can be used for cheesy bread, and the best option may depend on personal preference. Some common choices include cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, Colby Jack, muenster, and provolone. For the best results, it is recommended to use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (French, Italian, sourdough, or any crusty bread)
• Salted butter (softened)
• Garlic (freshly minced or granulated)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• Italian salad dressing (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350-400°F.
• Slice your chosen bread in half lengthwise. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
• In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, and Italian salad dressing (if using). You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each bread half.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the buttered bread.
• Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips and Variations

• For the best flavour and texture, shred your own Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese from a block.
• If you prefer a crispier bread, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• You can also add other ingredients to the butter mixture, such as red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños, for a spicier bread.
• This recipe can be easily adapted by using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• If you want to prepare this in advance, you can freeze the unbaked bread and bake it at a later time. Simply flash-freeze the prepared bread for 40 minutes, then transfer it to an airtight freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake it following the temperature instructions in the recipe.

Cheddar and herbs

A great option for cheesy bread is a combination of cheddar and herbs. This flavour profile is a delicious option for homemade cheesy bread. Here is a recipe for a loaf of Cheddar and Herb bread:

Ingredients:

• 6 1/2 cups (794 g) unbleached bread flour (can use all-purpose flour)
• 2 teaspoons (14 g) fine salt
• 5 Tablespoons (64 g) white sugar (or 5 Tbsp brown sugar or 3 1/2 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar)
• 1 cup (227 g) lukewarm water (for even softer bread, you can use 1 cup water leftover from boiling potatoes, cooled)
• 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons (255 g) milk or buttermilk, lukewarm
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons (14 g) instant yeast (can also use active dry yeast)
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted (or the same amount of vegetable/canola oil)
• 2 cups (340 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) minced fresh herbs (parsley and chives are good options or a heaping tablespoon of dried herbs)

Method:

• In a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, salt and sugar. If measuring your flour in cups, without a scale, hold back 1 cup of the flour to add as needed later. If you're using honey or agave, add with the liquid ingredients instead.
• In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the water and buttermilk and whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Add this mixture, along with the melted butter, to the dry ingredients.
• Mix by hand or with a dough hook until the mixture is combined, about 2 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
• Continue mixing the dough, adding more flour in very small increments as needed, until the dough becomes soft, smooth and tacky, but not sticky.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple of minutes, adding more flour only if the dough is sticking to your hands or the work surface. Then form dough into a ball.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and either refrigerate for up to 4 days, or allow to sit at room temperature until doubled in size (about 60-90 minutes).
• Grease two 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans and set aside.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Dust each with a bit of flour and then, using a rolling pin, roll into a rectangle approximately 10 inches wide and 16 inches long.
• Spread the shredded cheddar and herbs evenly over the surface of the dough. Starting with the shortest side, roll the dough up jelly-roll style and pinch the seam together.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the roll of dough down the centre, lengthwise. Rotate each piece so that the cut sides are facing upward and place them side-by-side. Pinch together the farthest end. Keeping the cut sides facing upwards as much as possible, place the right-side piece over the left-side piece. Straighten it up and then repeat, pinching together the end closest to you. If any cheese escapes, just place it back on top.
• Using a bench scraper or spatula, carefully lift the dough into the greased loaf pan. Repeat with the other dough log, then cover both with a greased piece of plastic wrap and allow to rise until the dough rises to about 1-inch above the side of the pans in the middle.
• Preheat oven to 350° F. (not fan-assisted). Bake for 45-50 minutes total, but after 25 minutes of baking, rotate the pans front-to-back in the oven and loosely cover with a piece of aluminium foil if necessary (if the bread is already well-browned), to prevent the top from over-browning. Bread should reach about 185° internal temperature in the centre.
• Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for a couple of minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edge of the bread and carefully remove the loaves to a cooling rack. Allow the loaves to cool for 1 hour before slicing.

Tips:

• High protein bread flour is recommended for the best texture and lightness. If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use it, but your bread may be a bit less light. If using all-purpose flour, you may find you have to use a bit more flour to get to that moist, smooth dough stage.
• If you only have active dry yeast, you can use it, but you will need to proof it in the lukewarm water first (add a pinch of sugar). Allow to stand 5 minutes, then add it to the dough when the water is specified.

Serving Suggestions:

This bread is perfect for soup night! It also makes a great sandwich bread.

Parmesan, garlic and herbs

Parmesan, Garlic, and Herbs Cheesy Bread

Ingredients:

• Bread: French or Italian bread works best.
• Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter, softened, to spread over the bread.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or granulated garlic will add flavor to the butter spread.
• Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block for the best taste and texture. You can also add shredded mozzarella cheese for a more gooey texture.
• Herbs: Use fresh or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, basil, or oregano to add flavor and color to the bread.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400°F.
• Cut your bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, herbs, and salt (optional) until well incorporated.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese (optional) on top of the buttered bread.
• Bake the bread for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For a crispier texture, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top of the bread for added flavor and color.
• Slice the bread into pieces and serve warm as a tasty appetizer or side dish.

Tips:

• You can also add spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapenos to the butter spread for a spicier kick.
• If you want softer garlic bread, wrap the bread in aluminum foil before baking.
• Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Colby Jack and Mozzarella

Colby Jack Cheesy Bread

This recipe for Colby Jack Cheesy Bread is a must-try for all cheese lovers. It can be served with anything from spaghetti to barbecue. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, or toast it with a bit of butter for a crispy treat.

Ingredients:

• Shredded Colby Jack cheese
• Milk
• Sugar
• Butter
• Salt
• Flour
• Yeast
• Egg white

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 3/4 cup warm water.
• Add the cheeses, milk, sugar, butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Beat by hand or with a mixer for about 3 minutes.
• Stir in enough remaining flour to make a firm dough, but do not knead.
• Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the dough to two greased loaf pans.
• Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the egg white and water.
• Brush the loaves with the egg white mixture, then sprinkle with a topping of your choice (the recipe suggests not skipping this step, as it adds extra flavour).
• Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Colby Jack and Mozzarella

This recipe for Cheesy Garlic Bread is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with pasta, soup, salad, or as an appetizer. It is easy to make and can be customised with additional ingredients like red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños.

Ingredients:

• 1 Loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
• Spread the butter mixture evenly on each side of the garlic bread.
• Top with Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the butter is melted and bubbly.
• For an extra crispy top, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Using Colby Jack and Mozzarella in Cheesy Bread:

• Colby Jack cheese is a great choice for cheesy bread because it melts well under high temperatures and has an Italian cheese blend taste.
• Mozzarella is known for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted, making it perfect for cheesy bread.
• When shredding your own cheese, use a block of cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese for better taste and texture.
• If you want to add more cheese to your bread, you can substitute about 1 cup of Colby Jack or Mozzarella for 1 cup of the mozzarella in the recipe.
• For a more intense garlic flavour, add more minced garlic cloves or use garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic.

Scallions and mayonnaise

Mayonnaise brings a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess to the garlic butter mix. Scallions, on the other hand, provide a mild, fresh bite. Be sure to include the green tops of the scallions for a pop of colour.

To make the garlic butter, combine softened butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sliced scallions, and minced garlic. You can also add other ingredients like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or parsley. Spread the mixture on your bread and bake until golden brown.

If you're looking for a more spicy bread, you can add red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter spread. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar.

So, the next time you're making cheesy garlic bread, don't be afraid to get creative and add some scallions and mayonnaise to the mix!

Frequently asked questions