Savory Cheese Bread
A savory cheese bread featuring flavorful herbs, garlic, and melted cheeses, perfect for serving as an appetizer or side with casual gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 large loaf unsliced French bread ⓘ
- 8 ounces yellow cheese (Cheddar, Colby) ⓘ
- 8 ounces white cheese (Monterey Jack) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup warm (not hot) water (110-115°F) ⓘ
- 1 package active dry yeast ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups sifted Gold Medal flour ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soft shortening or butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (110-115°F).
- Add sugar, salt, and about half of the flour; beat thoroughly for 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and soft shortening or butter; mix well.
- Gradually add the rest of the flour until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased or floured baking pan.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake the bread for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the garlic and herb butter by mixing softened butter with smashed garlic, basil, oregano, and lemon pepper if desired.
- Once baked, brush the warm bread with the herb butter, then sprinkle with shredded cheeses such as Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic and herb butter mix. If you prefer a whole wheat version, substitute half of the Gold Medal flour with whole wheat flour. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size. If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought garlic spread instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory cheese bread warm as an appetizer or alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Laura's Potato Salad for a delightful meal. You can also slice it into individual servings and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, making it a perfect snack for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Cheese Bread contains roughly 1467 calories, with 28g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2848mg per serving (124% 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 use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Just ensure the total cheese amount remains around 16 ounces for the best texture and flavor.
What if my dough doesn't rise as expected?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast package, and ensure the water temperature is warm, not hot. If the dough still doesn't rise, try placing it in a slightly warmer area or using a proofing setting if available on your oven.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it into a loaf and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the baking instructions.
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).