Homemade Garlic Cheddar Cheese Bread
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Category: Yeast Breads
Servings: 2 loaves
Description:
This Homemade Garlic Cheddar Cheese Bread is the epitome of comfort and indulgence, perfect whether served warm from the oven or toasted to crispy perfection. The gooey, melted cheddar cheese inside pairs beautifully with the subtle garlic flavor, creating a bread that’s both savory and irresistible. If you’re a fan of cheesy delights, this bread can also be transformed into the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches! It’s versatile enough to enjoy as-is or with a sprinkle of fresh basil folded into the dough for an added aromatic kick. While it’s best made from scratch, I do not recommend using a bread machine for this recipe. The cheese tends to get too pulverized in the machine, which leads to a less-than-ideal outcome. This recipe makes two loaves, so you’ll have one ready to enjoy now, and one to store for later. It’s a fantastic recipe to make ahead and share, and trust me, every bite is worth the effort!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 1/4 cups |
| Butter (unsalted) | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 6 cups |
| Active dry yeast | 2 tsp |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 loaf):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2226.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 69 g |
| Saturated Fat | 41.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 202.9 mg |
| Sodium | 3326 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 317.1 g |
| Fiber | 12.2 g |
| Sugars | 14.2 g |
| Protein | 79.2 g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the dough mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low to medium heat until the temperature reaches 120°F. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine half of the flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, and the milk-butter mixture. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder.
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Knead the dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, knead the dough on high speed for about 3 minutes, until the ingredients are well combined and the dough starts to form a smooth texture.
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Add more flour: Gradually add the remaining flour in small increments while continuing to knead for another 3 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
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Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, then let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Rest the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to shape.
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Shape the loaves: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each half into a loaf and place each one into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pans loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until it has expanded and nearly doubled in size.
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Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has finished rising, remove the plastic wrap and place the pans in the oven.
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Bake the loaves: Bake the loaves at 375°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool the bread: Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for 5-10 minutes. Carefully turn the loaves out onto a wire rack and let them cool for at least 5-10 minutes more before slicing. This allows the bread to firm up enough to be cut without losing its shape.
Tips for Success:
- For an even cheesier flavor, try using small chunks of cheddar cheese instead of shredded cheese. The chunks will melt into delicious pockets throughout the bread, making each bite even more indulgent.
- If you like a touch of herby flavor, feel free to fold fresh chopped basil or other herbs like oregano or thyme into the dough before the first rise.
- Be sure to monitor the dough’s consistency while kneading. If it feels too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a soft, elastic texture.
Serving Suggestions:
This Homemade Garlic Cheddar Cheese Bread is perfect as an accompaniment to soups, stews, or salads. It also makes an outstanding base for making grilled cheese sandwiches—just add a slice of your favorite cheese, butter the outside, and grill until golden brown and melty. For an extra savory treat, try pairing it with a rich tomato soup for dipping.
This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone craving a flavorful homemade bread that’s full of cheesy goodness. Whether you serve it warm with butter, toast it for breakfast, or enjoy it as part of a meal, this Garlic Cheddar Cheese Bread will quickly become a household favorite!
