Becky'S Cheese Casserole Loaf
A cheesy, soft bread loaf with rich Cheddar flavor, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. Fluffy texture and warm, savory taste appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk.
- Add sugar, salt, and shortening to the milk.
- Let the mixture stand until lukewarm.
- Dissolve the yeast in very warm water.
- Add the dissolved yeast, grated Cheddar cheese, and flour to the milk mixture.
- Blend the ingredients well.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Stir the batter down and beat for 30 seconds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of regular milk. If you’re out of shortening, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitution. Ensure the water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you're pressed for time, you can use store-bought bread dough as a shortcut. This dish can also be customized with different cheese varieties for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese casserole loaf is delicious served warm as a side dish or as the main event. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup. For an added touch, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a homemade spicy salsa. It also complements vegetarian recipes nicely, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese casserole loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the loaf for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also slice it and toast individual pieces for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Becky'S Cheese Casserole Loaf contains roughly 488 calories, with 14g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2979mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese casserole loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking. This allows the flavors to develop even further, giving you a more flavorful loaf.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water used to dissolve it is at the right temperature. If the dough fails to double in size, try placing it in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I freeze the cheese casserole loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked loaf for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).