Homemade Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe for a Savory, Cheesy Loaf

Introduction

Imagine pulling a warm loaf of cheddar cheese bread straight from the oven. The scent of sharp cheddar fills your kitchen, the crust is golden and crisp, and the inside is tender and rich with cheesy goodness. Cheddar cheese bread isn’t just another loaf. It is a comfort food, a satisfying side, and sometimes even the star of the meal.

Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty bowl of soup or enjoying a thick slice toasted with butter, this bread delivers flavor and texture in every bite. Unlike many commercial loaves that taste bland or overly processed, homemade cheddar cheese bread offers real ingredients and bold flavor. With its rustic charm and soft crumb, it’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Even if you’ve never baked bread from scratch, this recipe is approachable. It does not require complicated equipment or advanced techniques. With a little time and simple pantry staples, you’ll be rewarded with a loaf that’s better than anything from the store.

Many home bakers find that adding cheese to bread gives it a richness and depth that plain loaves lack. Cheddar, in particular, brings a sharp tang and creamy bite that melts into the dough and browns beautifully on the crust. If you love cheese, you’re going to want this recipe in your rotation.

Let’s dive into everything you need to get started.

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Ingredients Needed

To make this cheddar cheese bread recipe, gather the ingredients listed below. Each one is easy to find and contributes to the overall flavor and structure of the bread. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need along with the approximate calorie count per serving:

Ingredient	Amount	Calories
All-purpose flour	3 cups	1365
Sharp cheddar cheese	2 cups shredded	800
Whole milk	1 cup	150
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons (½ stick)	400
Active dry yeast	2¼ teaspoons	21
Sugar	1 tablespoon	48
Salt	1½ teaspoons	0
Warm water	½ cup	0

Total Calories (approximate per loaf): 2784

This recipe yields one large loaf. If you slice it into 10 pieces, each serving would be roughly 278 calories. You can adjust portion sizes depending on your dietary needs.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making cheddar cheese bread from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process if you follow each step carefully. Here’s how to do it:

1. Activate the yeast
   Start by combining the warm water with sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t bubble up, your yeast may be inactive, and it’s best to start over.
2. Prepare the dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix well so the cheese is evenly coated with flour. This helps prevent clumping. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and warm milk. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you are using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for about 6 minutes on medium speed.
4. First rise
   Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the loaf
   After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface again. Shape it into a loaf by rolling it tightly and pinching the seams at the bottom.
6. Second rise
   Transfer the shaped dough to a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. The dough should rise just above the top of the pan.
7. Bake the bread
   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once heated, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be a deep golden brown, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped.The savory Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with the comforting flavors of a Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole.
8. Cool and serve
   Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to slice it while it’s hot, or the interior may become gummy.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about cheddar cheese bread is how easily you can make it your own. Below are a few ways to change it up:

Use different cheeses
Swap out cheddar for pepper jack, gruyere, gouda, or a mix of hard cheeses for a different flavor.

Add herbs and spices
Fold in chopped fresh chives, rosemary, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth.

Include mix-ins
Chopped cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or diced jalapeños can be mixed into the dough for more texture and taste.

Make it whole grain
Replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content.

Shape it differently
Instead of a loaf, shape the dough into rolls or a round boule. Baking time will vary, so keep an eye on the oven.

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Nutritional Information

Below is a rough estimate of the nutritional value per serving when the loaf is divided into 10 slices:

Keep in mind that values can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients. For those watching sodium or fat intake, you can use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium butter or opt for plant-based alternatives.

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Serving Suggestions

Cheddar cheese bread is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

With soups and stews
This bread is a perfect companion for tomato soup, creamy potato leek soup, or beef stew. Its bold flavor pairs well with both creamy and hearty dishes.

As a grilled cheese upgrade
Use slices of this bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich. The extra cheese baked into the loaf enhances the melted filling even more.

Toasted for breakfast
Spread some butter, jam, or cream cheese on a toasted slice in the morning. It’s a quick and satisfying start to the day.

On a charcuterie board
Cut into cubes and serve with cured meats, olives, and spreads for a rustic appetizer.

With salads
Pair a slice with a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a balanced light meal.

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FAQs: Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated cheddar melts better and gives a richer flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can slightly affect texture.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Using only whole wheat may make the bread denser and drier, so keep some white flour for softness.

3. Do I have to knead the dough by hand?
Not at all. A stand mixer with a dough hook works great. Knead for about 6 minutes on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. How can I make this bread without yeast?
For a yeast-free version, you can try a quick bread recipe using baking powder instead. The texture will be more like a biscuit than traditional bread.

5. Can I freeze cheddar cheese bread?
Yes, this bread freezes very well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. It keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

Once you make it from scratch, you’ll understand why homemade bread holds such a special place in kitchens everywhere. It’s a recipe that welcomes experimentation, suits many meals, and fills your home with warmth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cheddar cheese bread offers both comfort and creativity in every slice.

Baking cheddar cheese bread at home brings together the simple joy of fresh ingredients with the irresistible flavor of real cheese. The process may take a little time, but the results are deeply rewarding. The loaf turns out soft and cheesy on the inside with a crust that’s golden and full of character.