Cheese Bread is pure comfort in loaf form—honestly, nothing compares to the moment you slice into a warm, golden loaf and watch the cheese stretch and melt right before your eyes. This isn’t your average bread. Each bite is loaded with a trio of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and a salty kick from Parmesan. Add the savory punch of garlic and a sprinkle of herbs, and you’ve got a bread that’s every bit as tempting as the best bakery’s cheese toast, but so much fresher and more flavorful.
What makes this baked cheese bread so special is how it manages to be both soft and fluffy, yet packed with gooey cheese in every bite. The garlic and herbs fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma—I always have to fight off my family from tearing into the loaf before it’s even cooled. Whether you serve it as a side with pasta, dunk it in soup, or just snack on a thick slice by itself, it’s impossible not to go back for seconds.
I’ve baked more cheesy breads than I can count, tweaking different cheese combos and playing with herbs until I landed on this recipe. Trust me, I’ve put it through its paces—Friday pizza nights, holiday brunches, you name it. And every single time, this cheesy bread gets rave reviews and disappears before I can stash away leftovers. You don’t need any fancy yeast or complicated steps, just real ingredients and a little bit of mixing. If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing homemade bread, you’re in the right place. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Bread
- Quick and Easy: No waiting around for dough to rise—this recipe comes together fast, and you can have it in the oven in about 15 minutes.
- No Yeast Needed: If you’re out of yeast or just don’t want to fuss with it, you’re in luck! Baking powder and soda do all the work.
- Soft and Fluffy: The buttermilk and eggs give this bread the most amazing, tender crumb. It’s never dry or heavy.
- Loaded with Cheese: Every bite is packed with melty cheddar, mozzarella, and a hint of Parmesan. You get cheesy flavor in every single slice.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Serve it as a side with soup or salad, pair it with pasta, or just enjoy it warm as a snack. It even makes fantastic garlic cheese toast the next day!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is the kind of bread that disappears in minutes at parties, potlucks, or family dinners. People always ask for the recipe.
- Beginner-Friendly: No complicated techniques—just simple mixing and baking. Perfect for new bakers or anyone who wants fresh, homemade cheesy bread without a lot of fuss.
Cheese Bread Ingredients List
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – measure it by spooning into the cup and leveling off for accuracy
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – gives the bread its rise
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps create that soft, fluffy texture
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for extra savory flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup (100g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed
- 1/2 cup (55g) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, packed
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the best results, use freshly grated cheese—trust me, it melts so much better and gives you that perfect gooey texture. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, and room temperature liquids help everything blend smoothly.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cheese Bread
Let’s talk ingredients—because little tweaks can make this cheese bread truly yours. Here’s what I’ve learned after way too many cheesy experiments in my kitchen:
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a soft, sturdy loaf. I haven’t had great luck with whole wheat; it makes the bread dense. If you need gluten-free, try a 1:1 baking blend, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are my go-tos for that perfect melt and flavor combo. Pre-shredded will work in a pinch, but it never melts as smoothly—pre-shredded cheese is coated to prevent clumping, which can make your bread less gooey. Feel free to swap in pepper jack, Swiss, gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a kick.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness and a bit of tang that balances the richness. If you don’t have any, mix 1 1/4 cups regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes and you’re good to go!
- Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the salt. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt just a touch.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend in more evenly. If you forget, just set them in a bowl of warm water for five minutes.
- Herbs & Garlic: Dried oregano and thyme are classic, but you can swap in basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. Not a fan of herbs? Leave them out—the cheesy bread will still be delicious. For extra garlic punch, add a minced fresh clove.
And if you want to make it dairy-free, try plant-based cheese and use your favorite non-dairy milk with a splash of lemon juice. The texture will change a bit, but you’ll still get that cheesy, savory vibe!
Equipment Needed for Cheese Bread
You really don’t need anything fancy to make this cheese bread—just dependable, everyday tools. Here’s what I always reach for:
- Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan is perfect for this recipe. If yours is slightly smaller, just don’t overfill—leave a little room for the bread to rise.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll want one large bowl for the dry ingredients and a medium bowl for the wet.
- Whisk and spatula: A sturdy whisk makes mixing easy, and a flexible spatula helps fold everything together without overworking the batter.
- Box grater: Freshly grating your cheese makes a world of difference in meltiness and flavor.
- Cooling rack: Letting your loaf cool on a rack keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
- Oven thermometer (optional): Ovens can be sneaky! If yours runs hot or cool, this little tool is a lifesaver for perfect baking times.
That’s it—nothing tricky. With these basics, you’ll be pulling a perfect cheesy loaf from the oven in no time.
How to Make Cheese Bread (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Here’s exactly how I make this cheese bread come out soft, golden, and perfectly cheesy every single time. Don’t worry—it’s way easier than it looks! Grab your ingredients, clear a little counter space, and let’s get going:
- Preheat your oven and prep your pan:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you do anything else. Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. If you want to be extra sure it won’t stick, line the pan with a strip of parchment so the bread lifts right out.
- Measure and prep all your ingredients:
This is a quick bread, so things move fast once you start mixing. Grate all your cheese (trust me, it’s worth it!), melt your butter, and let your eggs and buttermilk warm up to room temp. If you’re using cold ingredients, the batter can get clumpy!
- Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Make sure everything is blended really well—no streaks or lumps of baking powder hiding in there.
- Add the cheese:
Toss in all your freshly grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Give everything a quick stir so the cheese is evenly coated with flour. This little trick keeps the cheese from sinking to the bottom while baking.
- Whisk the wet ingredients separately:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted (and slightly cooled) butter, and eggs until smooth and a bit frothy. You want the eggs broken up and everything well combined.
- Combine wet and dry—gently!
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl. Now, here’s the secret: mix just until you don’t see dry flour anymore. I use a spatula or wooden spoon and stop as soon as the batter comes together—it’ll look a little lumpy and thick, and that’s perfect. Overmixing is the enemy here! If you stir too much, your bread can turn out tough or dense.
- Fill the loaf pan:
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with your spatula. It’ll be thick, so just nudge it into the corners. If you want an extra cheesy top, sprinkle on a bit more cheddar or mozzarella right now.
- Bake:
Slide the pan into the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, but start checking at 40—every oven is different! You’re looking for a deep golden top and the best cheesy aroma filling your kitchen.
- Test for doneness:
Insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). If cheesy bits stick, that’s okay—just make sure the bread itself is baked through. If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Cool before slicing:
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes (it’s hard to wait, but it finishes cooking and firms up). Run a knife around the edges, lift the loaf onto a wire rack, and let it cool completely. Slicing too soon can make it crumbly—trust me, the wait is worth it for neat, cheesy slices!
That’s it! You’ll know it’s perfect when the loaf feels springy, the top is golden, and every slice is studded with gooey cheese. My family hovers around the kitchen just waiting for that first warm slice—and I can never blame them.
Tips for Cheese Bread Success
- Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded just doesn’t give you those gooey pockets!
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the dry spots disappear—lumps are totally fine. Overmixing leads to tough or dense bread.
- Let the bread cool before slicing so it holds together and doesn’t fall apart. It’s hard to wait, but so worth it.
- Double-check your oven temperature with a thermometer if you can—bread bakes best at a true 350°F.
- For an extra golden top, sprinkle on a bit more cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If your bread turns out dense, it’s usually from overmixing or old baking powder. Use fresh leaveners and mix gently next time.
Cheese Bread Variations and Flavor Ideas
- Switch up the cheese: Try pepper jack, gouda, Swiss, fontina, or even a little smoked cheese for a twist.
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the batter for a kicked-up version.
- Herb it up: Add fresh chives, parsley, or rosemary for a garden-fresh pop. Italian seasoning also works great.
- Stuffed or pull-apart bread: Layer extra cheese in the center or slice the loaf partway and stuff with garlic butter and more cheese before baking for a gooey pull-apart treat.
- Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or olives are all delicious tossed in.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The loaf will be a bit more delicate, but still cheesy and tasty!
Play around and make it your own—this cheesy bread is basically a blank canvas for whatever flavors you love most.
Serving Suggestions for Cheese Bread
- With soups: Dunk thick slices into tomato soup or creamy potato leek—seriously comforting on chilly nights.
- Alongside salads: Serve warm cheesy bread with Caesar or a crisp green salad for a simple, satisfying lunch.
- Pasta pairing: This bread was made for spaghetti night! It’s amazing with any saucy pasta or lasagna.
- Snack or appetizer: Slice and serve with marinara dipping sauce. It disappears fast at parties or game day.
- Breakfast: Toast a slice and top with a fried egg—so good with a little hot sauce on top.
- Party platter: Cut into cubes or sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer with dips and spreads.
My personal favorite? Still warm from the oven, torn by hand, with just a swipe of softened butter. It’s pure cheesy bliss!
How to Store and Reheat Cheese Bread
If you somehow end up with leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), cheese bread keeps really well. Store cooled slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, I love using the oven or toaster at 325°F until warm—this keeps the edges crisp and the cheese gooey. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, just cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist and melty.
Cheese Bread Nutritional Information
Each slice of this cheesy bread (1/10 of the loaf) has about 230 calories, 11g fat, 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 340mg sodium. These numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients and typical serving size. If you make swaps or add extras, the nutrition will change a bit, but this gives you a good starting point for planning your slice!
Cheese Bread FAQ
Can I make cheese bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake this cheesy bread a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and store at room temperature. It actually slices even better the next day, and a quick warm-up in the oven brings back that just-baked taste.
Can I freeze cheese bread?
Yes! Cheese bread freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual pieces or the whole thing in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or pop slices straight in the toaster or oven to reheat. The cheese gets gooey and delicious all over again.
Can I use different cheeses?
Go for it! Any good melting cheese works—try Swiss, pepper jack, gouda, or a sharp provolone for a twist. For extra flavor, mix in some blue cheese or smoked cheese. Just keep the total amount the same so your bread stays soft and fluffy.
Why is my cheese bread dense?
Dense bread usually means the batter was overmixed or your baking powder was old. Remember to stir just until the flour disappears and always use fresh leaveners. Also, measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off—too much flour can weigh the loaf down.
How can I make cheese bread gluten-free?
Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be a bit softer and more delicate, but you’ll still get that cheesy, savory goodness. Let it cool completely before slicing for the neatest pieces!
Share Your Cheese Bread Experience
I’d love to hear how your cheesy bread turns out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag me on social media with your loaf—nothing makes my day like seeing your melty creations. Got a favorite cheese combo or a fun twist? Share your tips and variations so we can all get inspired for our next bake!

Cheese Bread Wonder: 3 Cheeses, 10 Steps, Endless Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese Bread is a soft, flavorful loaf made with a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It features garlic and herbs, creating a savory bread that pairs well with meals or stands alone as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme in a large bowl.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the dry mix. Stir to combine.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better texture.
- Let the bread cool before slicing to keep it from crumbling.
- Add fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Serve with marinara or garlic butter if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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