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Cheese Bread Recipe

This cheese bread is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside. Whether you're making it as a quick loaf, fluffy rolls, or Brazilian-style bites, it's a savory treat that's perfect as a side, snack, or party appetizer. With a flexible ingredient list and easy method, even beginners can pull it off.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Brazilian, Global fusion, Italian
Servings 12 slices (or 10–12 rolls or muffins depending on form)
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf pan or muffin tin
  • Box grater (or food processor)
  • Wooden spoon or stand mixer
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Basic Cheese Bread (Quick Bread Style):

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp chopped herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
  • Add the cheeses and optional herbs. Toss to coat with the flour mix—this helps the cheese stay evenly distributed
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and oil. Pour into the dry ingredients.
  • Mix gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix—batter should be thick and lumpy.
  • Pour into prepared pan, smoothing the top.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing.

Notes

  • Cheese Blend Tip: Combine a melty cheese (like mozzarella) with a flavorful one (like Parmesan or cheddar) for optimal results.
  • Add a Glaze: Brush the top with garlic butter before or after baking for a glossy, flavor-packed crust.
  • Make It Spicy: Stir in chili flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
  • Go Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or try a pão de queijo version with tapioca flour.
  • Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4. Freeze for longer storage—toast to reheat.
  • Pão de Queijo Variation: Use tapioca flour, eggs, and milk with grated Parmesan and mozzarella—blended and baked into chewy balls!
Keyword Brazilian pão de queijo, cheddar bread, cheese bread, cheesy appetizer, easy cheese bread recipe, gluten-free cheese bread, no yeast cheese bread, pull-apart cheese bread, savory baking