Soft Cheesy Homemade Bread Loaf

🥖 Ingredients

For the dough

  • 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 40°C / 105°F)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons soft butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

For the cheese filling

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup cheddar or gouda (for stronger flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano or parsley (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but amazing)

For the top

  • Extra shredded cheese
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)

🍞 Prepare the dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a large bowl, pour the warm milk and add sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. You should see bubbles forming on top. That means your yeast is alive and ready.

Next, add the egg, butter, oil, and salt. Mix everything together.

Gradually add the flour little by little while mixing. The dough will start sticky, then come together. Once it forms a rough ball, transfer it to a clean surface.

Now knead.

Kneading is key for soft fluffy bread. Push the dough forward with your palm, fold it back, and repeat. Do this for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it sticks too much, sprinkle just a tiny bit of flour.

When ready, the dough should feel soft like a pillow.

⏳ First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

This step gives the bread its light airy texture, so don’t rush it.

If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl inside the oven with just the light on.

🧀 Prepare the cheesy filling

While the dough rises, mix your cheeses in a bowl.

Combining mozzarella with cheddar or gouda gives both stretch and flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully while cheddar adds richness.

Add herbs or garlic powder if you like extra flavor. This small touch makes the bread smell incredible while baking.

🔄 Shape the loaf

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to remove air.

Transfer it to your surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about the size of a baking tray.

Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly across the dough. Don’t overfill, but be generous.

Now roll the dough tightly like a Swiss roll or cinnamon roll log.

You can leave it like this or slice it into thick pieces and stack them inside the pan for a pull-apart effect.

Place everything inside a greased loaf pan or glass baking dish like the one in the picture.

⏳ Second rise

Cover again and let it rise for 30–40 minutes.

This second rise makes the bread extra fluffy and soft. You’ll notice it puffing up and filling the pan nicely.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

🥚 Add the topping

Brush the top gently with egg wash. This gives a shiny golden crust.

Sprinkle extra cheese on top. Don’t be shy — this creates that beautiful cheesy crust you see in the photo.

You can also add sesame seeds or dried herbs for extra flavor.

🔥 Bake

Bake for 30–40 minutes.

The bread should rise high and turn golden brown. The cheese will melt and bubble beautifully.

If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

To check doneness, tap the bottom. It should sound hollow.

Your kitchen will smell insane at this point.

❄️ Cool slightly

Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes.

Don’t cut immediately — the cheese needs a little time to set or it may slide out too much.

Then slice or pull apart and enjoy warm.

😍 Texture and taste

This bread is:

  • Soft and fluffy inside
  • Buttery and rich
  • Cheesy and stretchy
  • Slightly crispy on top

Each slice pulls apart with melted cheese strands. It’s perfect comfort food.

Serve it warm and it tastes like heaven.

🍽 Serving ideas

This cheesy bread pairs with so many things:

  • Tomato soup
  • Pasta dishes
  • Chicken or beef stew
  • Breakfast eggs
  • As a sandwich bread
  • Or just plain with butter

Honestly, it disappears fast even on its own.

🧊 Storage tips

If you have leftovers:

Room temperature: 2 days in airtight bag

Fridge: up to 5 days

Freezer: 2 months wrapped well

To reheat, microwave 15–20 seconds or toast lightly. The cheese melts again perfectly.

🔥 Variations

You can easily customize this recipe:

Add cooked chicken or turkey

Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes

Use spicy jalapeños

Add cream cheese filling

Make mini rolls instead of loaf

Use whole wheat flour for healthier version

The base dough works with everything.

⭐ Pro tips for perfect bread

Use warm milk, not hot

Knead well for softness

Don’t skip rising time

Use good quality cheese

Bake until fully golden

Small details = big difference.

❤️ Final thoughts

Homemade cheesy bread like this feels special but is surprisingly simple. With just basic ingredients and a little patience, you get a bakery-style loaf that looks impressive and tastes even better.

That golden crust, fluffy texture, and melted cheese layers make every bite comforting and satisfying.

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