Imagine pulling a golden, steaming loaf of cheese bread out of the oven, its aroma filling your kitchen with an irresistible blend of warm, cheesy goodness. Barbara Firey's Cheese Bread is not just another recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a delectable result that's crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to properly cook the cheese bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the dry mixture. You can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for extra flavor. Stir gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg. Ensure that the butter is not too hot when you mix it with the milk and egg to avoid cooking the egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cheese bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the cheese bread and serve warm, or store it in an airtight container for later enjoyment. This bread pairs wonderfully with soups or can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties. A sharp cheddar will give a bold flavor, while a mild mozzarella provides a creamy texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk, egg, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Pan Preparation: For easy removal, line your loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides.
- Doneness Test: Always use the toothpick method to check if your bread is fully baked. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a pat of butter or alongside a hearty soup for a complete meal experience.
- Storage: Keep your cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg