Cheese Bread Recipe
Make Cheese Bread Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Cheese filling
Topping/Finish
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate yeast
Warm the milk to about 105–110°F (warm to the touch). In a small bowl, stir together warm milk, sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
- 2
Combine wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs. Once yeast is foamy, add it to the bowl and stir to combine.
- 3
Mix dough
Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt to the wet mixture and mix until incorporated. Gradually add remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium-low for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes.
- 4
Cheese filling
- 5
Prepare filling
While dough rises, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined and creamy. If mixture is very stiff, let cream cheese soften slightly or add 1 teaspoon milk to loosen.
Assembly and bake
- 6
Shape dough
After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll or press into a roughly 12x10-inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- 7
Add filling
Evenly spread the cheese filling over the dough rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, sealing the seam by pinching the dough together.
- 8
Cut and arrange
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Place the pieces cut-side up (or seam-side down for a smoother top) in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan or arrange them closely in a round 9-inch cake pan for a pull-apart loaf. Cover loosely and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- 9
Apply topping
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the egg wash and gently brush over the loaf. Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top and sprinkle dried oregano and coarse salt if using.
- 10
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C). If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
- 11
Cool and serve
Remove from oven and let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for another 10–15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Pull apart pieces to serve; reheated slices are best warmed briefly in a 350°F oven.