If you have ever dreamed of a warm, golden loaf oozing with melty, savory goodness, this Cheesy Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the creamy tang of Greek yogurt with the rich flavors of cheddar and Parmesan, this bread isn’t just a side — it’s the star. Whether you’re serving it alongside a comforting soup, a fresh salad, or enjoying it straight from the oven, every bite offers a satisfying mix of soft crumb and crispy, cheesy crust. This Cheesy Bread Recipe is simple, fast, and guaranteed to fill your home with irresistible aromas that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is like assembling a dream team for flavor and texture. Each one has a crucial part to play, ensuring your cheesy bread turns out fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside.
- 2 cups self-rising flour: Provides the perfect rise and lightness without extra fuss; use all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt as an alternative.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, helping create a soft, tender crumb.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, gooey cheesiness right into the dough.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty depth of flavor that balances the cheddar beautifully.
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional): Infuses a subtle savory note that takes the bread to the next flavor level.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, enhancing all the cheesy elements.
- 1–2 tbsp milk: Used only if the dough feels too dry, perfect for adjusting the texture easily.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): Creates a golden, bubbling crust full of cheesy delight.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds an extra layer of crispiness and flavor to the crust.
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing): Keeps the crust irresistibly soft and shiny after baking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and freshness that livens up each slice.
How to Make Cheesy Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to give your bread that perfect, even bake. While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease — this will ensure your delicious loaf doesn’t stick and comes off perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you get a shaggy dough that holds together but isn’t too wet. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk slowly — you want it just tacky enough to shape easily.
Step 3: Shape Your Loaf
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rustic round about 6 to 7 inches wide. This approachable shape helps the bread bake evenly and gives you that inviting, homemade look. Transfer the dough gently to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Score and Top with Cheese
Use a sharp knife to score an “X” on the top of your loaf — this little cut allows steam to escape and creates a beautiful pattern as it bakes. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese generously over the top, promising every bite a crunchy, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop your bread into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns a glorious golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This baking time strikes a perfect balance between a crisp crust and a soft, cheesy center.
Step 6: Butter and Cool
Right after taking the bread out of the oven, brush the entire top with melted butter. This small step seals in moisture and adds a lovely sheen that makes your cheesy bread irresistible. Let the loaf cool for about 5 minutes — just enough to handle but still warm enough to enjoy that melty cheese goodness.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the bread into generous wedges, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. This is when the magic happens — that first bite into the crispy, cheesy crust with soft, cheesy dough inside is pure comfort in every mouthful.
How to Serve Cheesy Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper brightens the flavors and adds a visually appealing touch. For a little extra flair, you could also try a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika for subtle smoky warmth.
Side Dishes
Cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes. Serve it alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup, a fresh green salad, or a creamy pasta for a comforting meal. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to charcuterie boards or as a snack with dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or even a tangy ranch dip.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party, slice your cheesy bread into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, inviting display. Another fun idea is to hollow out the center slightly and fill it with warm spinach-artichoke dip or a cheesy fondue for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy bread is just as delightful the next day. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the moisture inside while keeping the crust from becoming too hard or stale.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cheesy bread around longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before popping it into the freezer. Frozen cheesy bread can last for up to three months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring your cheesy bread back to fresh-from-the-oven glory, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes the crust and warms the cheeses inside, reviving that perfect gooey, crispy combo we all love.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour in this Cheesy Bread Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! To mimic self-rising flour, simply combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt before mixing it into the dough.
Is Greek yogurt necessary, or can I use regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt works best because of its thickness and tang, which helps create the perfect dough texture and flavor. However, you can substitute regular plain yogurt — just make sure it’s not too runny to avoid a wet dough.
Can I add herbs or spices to this Cheesy Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil pair beautifully with the cheeses and add extra flavor layers. You might also experiment with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
How long does this cheesy bread stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, it will stay fresh for up to two days. Beyond that, the texture might change, so freezing is your best bet for longer storage.
Can I make this bread dairy-free or vegan?
Dairy-free or vegan versions would require replacing the cheeses and yogurt with plant-based alternatives. The texture and flavor will differ but experimenting with vegan cheeses and yogurt can yield delicious results too.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Bread Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner side or a show-stopping appetizer, the ease and deliciousness make it a winner in any kitchen. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Bread recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a warm, savory loaf loaded with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Made with simple pantry ingredients like self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, this rustic bread comes together without yeast and requires minimal prep time. The bread is scored and topped with extra cheese before baking to golden perfection, then brushed with melted butter for a rich finish. Perfect for serving as a snack or accompaniment to soups and salads.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp milk (only if dough is too dry)
Topping and Finishing
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to help it come together.
- Shape Loaf: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a rustic round loaf approximately 6–7 inches in diameter. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score an “X” on the top of the dough to help it bake evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the top of the loaf with the remaining shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully cooked inside.
- Brush Butter: Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, brush the top with melted butter to give it a flavorful, shiny finish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool for about 5 minutes. Slice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- If using all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour, be sure to add 2 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt as a substitute.
- The garlic powder is optional but adds a nice subtle flavor to the bread.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, moister dough.
- Adjust milk quantity only if the dough is too dry to come together; avoid adding too much.
- Scoring the dough helps control the bread’s expansion and gives it a rustic appearance.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
