If you’re ready to dive into a golden loaf that oozes with gooey cheese, prepare to fall in love with this Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy. This recipe transforms humble pantry ingredients into a beautiful bread—ultra-soft inside, rich with the flavor of your favorite cheese, and with a buttery crust that you’ll want to tear into again and again. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or just because, this is the kind of recipe you’ll return to for guaranteed comfort and delight.

Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how a handful of straightforward ingredients join forces to create something truly special. Each one works behind the scenes to achieve that signature tender crumb, rich flavor, and that glorious cheesy swirl running through the loaf.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a soft crumb when kneaded just right.
Instant yeast: For that reliable rise and fluffy texture, instant yeast gets this dough going with minimal wait time.
Granulated sugar: Just a tablespoon gives the bread a hint of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing cheese and butter without overpowering them.
Warm milk: Brings moisture and tenderness to every bite—make sure it’s warm, not hot, to keep the yeast happy!
Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the dough, adding flavor and ensuring a soft, rich loaf.
Large egg: For structure and extra softness, the egg ties everything together.
Shredded cheese: The heart of this recipe—use cheddar, mozzarella, or your own blend for that gooey cheesy ribbon.
Optional garlic powder or dried herbs: For a flavor boost, try a bit of garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme mixed into the dough or cheese layer.
Melted butter (for brushing): A glossy finish straight out of the oven makes this bread extra irresistible.

How to Make Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy

Step 1: Activate the yeast and create the base

Start by pouring your warm milk into a large mixing bowl and stirring in the sugar and instant yeast. Give it a quick mix, then let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You’ll soon see a foamy layer start to bubble up on the surface, proving the yeast is awake and ready for action. This is a crucial step for that soft, light texture we want in this Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy.

Step 2: Mix and knead the dough

Now, whisk the melted butter, egg, and salt into your frothy yeast mixture. Gradually add in the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy, sticky dough starts to form. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for 8 to 10 minutes—let it become smooth, elastic, and just a bit tacky. If you have a stand mixer, feel free to let it do the work with a dough hook on medium speed for about 6 minutes. This step builds the strength and pillowy texture that makes every bite of this bread so special.

Step 3: First rise

Once kneaded, slide the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm. In an hour to 90 minutes, you’ll see it puff up and double in size—proof that the yeast is doing its magic for Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy. This rise sets the stage for our cheesy swirl!

Step 4: Fill and shape the loaf

Gently punch down your risen dough and move it back to your floured surface. Shape it into a rectangle, roughly 8 by 14 inches. Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top, adding a tiny dash of garlic powder or herbs if you want to amp up the flavor. Starting from a short end, roll the dough up tightly, then pinch the seam closed. Nestle this stunning cheese-filled roll, seam side down, into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes—watch how it fills the pan with promise!

Step 5: Bake and finish

As the final rise is happening, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the dough looks plump and ready, bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the loaf turns a gorgeous golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If it’s browning too quickly, simply tent some foil over it for the last 10 minutes. As soon as it comes out, brush the top with melted butter for that mouthwatering sheen. Let your Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, brush your warm loaf with a touch more melted butter and sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of Parmesan right after baking can make every slice look and taste even more decadent.

Side Dishes

Pair your Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy with a classic tomato soup for the ultimate comfort combo, or serve it alongside a crisp salad for balance. It’s dreamy with pasta dishes, especially saucy ones, and it also makes a standout side for chili or any winter stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the loaf into thick, cheese-studded slices and fan them out on a rustic wooden board, or cube it for bite-sized party nibbles. Try turning leftovers into croutons, or use thick slices to make show-stopping grilled cheese sandwiches that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap your bread tightly in plastic or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. It stays soft and flavorful, making it perfect for a quick snack or unexpected guests.

Freezing

Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) in a layer of foil and then place in a zip-top freezer bag—this keeps it fresh for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or pop a slice right in the toaster for a last-minute treat.

Reheating

For that bakery-fresh taste, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or just until heated through. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven really brings the crust back to life and re-melts the cheese inside.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Absolutely—just dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar and let it sit until it’s nice and foamy before proceeding. You may need to let the dough rise a bit longer, but your Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy will still turn out dreamy.

What cheeses work best inside this bread?

Classic cheddar and mozzarella are always winners, but you can blend in Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a bit of provolone. Mix and match to find your favorite combination for maximum melt and flavor.

Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, finely diced jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes all make fantastic companions. Just keep extras modest so the bread keeps its soft structure.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Look for a rich golden brown color and give the top a gentle tap—it should sound hollow. If you want to be extra sure, an instant-read thermometer poked into the center should read around 190°F.

Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Yes, the recipe doubles beautifully! Just halve the dough after the first rise and shape each piece with its own cheesy filling, then bake in separate pans for twice the deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bread that truly satisfies, you can’t go wrong with Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy. It’s comforting, incredibly versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and let’s bake some cheesy magic together—you’ll be so glad you did!

Irresistible Homemade Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This irresistible homemade cheese bread recipe yields a soft and cheesy loaf that is perfect for any occasion. With a simple dough enriched with milk, butter, and cheese, this bread is a savory delight that will have everyone coming back for more.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough.
Knead and Rise: Knead dough for 8-10 minutes (or 6 minutes with a stand mixer). Let rise for 1-1½ hours until doubled.
Fill and Shape: Roll dough into a rectangle, sprinkle cheese, roll tightly, and place in a loaf pan to rise for 30-45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake loaf for 30-35 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter after baking. Cool before slicing.

Notes

You can customize the cheese blend to suit your preferences.
Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container once cooled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Global