One Saturday afternoon, I was in the kitchen with my grandmother, who had come over to visit. She was excited to share one of her classic kitchen tricks with me: a quick and easy cheese bread recipe that she always made for our family gatherings. As a child, I’d always marvel at how fast the dough came together and how perfectly golden the bread turned out.
That day, it hit me how simple ingredients, like a bit of flour, milk, and cheese, could come together to create something so comforting. I couldn’t wait to make it myself for a small family get-together the following weekend. With the kids running around the backyard, my husband out in the garage, and the scent of the dough filling the air, it felt like the perfect way to bring everyone together.
In less than 25 minutes, I had a hot, cheesy loaf fresh out of the skillet. It was one of those moments where the simplicity of a dish—combined with the joy of sharing it—made everything feel just right. No special occasion needed, just a little time, a handful of ingredients, and the people I love the most. That’s the beauty of this cheese bread: it’s easy, quick, and sure to please everyone.
Short Description
This 25-minute cheese bread recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with a cheesy, garlicky filling, all cooked in a skillet. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for anyone craving warm, homemade bread without the long wait.
Key Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 1 tbsp sugar (helps activate yeast)
- 1 tsp instant yeast (or 1.5 tsp active dry yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (or water)
- 2 tbsp oil (or melted butter)
For the Cheesy Filling:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or parsley
- 2 tbsp butter (for brushing)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped jalapeños
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sautéed onions
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Non-stick pan or skillet
- Lid for covering the pan
- Pastry brush (for butter)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough (5 mins)
In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp yeast, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well to mix the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup of warm milk (not hot—about 100°F to 110°F), and 2 tbsp oil (or melted butter).
Mix until everything comes together, then knead for 3-4 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little flour as needed.
Pro Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until it forms a soft, slightly tacky dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. (Skip if using instant yeast.)
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Filling
While the dough rests, combine 1.5 cups of shredded cheese (mix mozzarella and cheddar for the perfect balance of meltiness and flavor) with 2 tbsp of Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp dried oregano or parsley in a bowl.
If you’re adding any extras like chopped jalapeños or bacon bits, now is the time to mix them in.
Step 3: Shape & Fill the Bread
Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 10×12 inches in size. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Roll the dough tightly, like a Swiss roll, then pinch the edges to seal.
Pro Tip: Be gentle while rolling to avoid squeezing out the cheesy filling. The tighter the roll, the better the texture when slicing.
Step 4: Cook on Stovetop (10-12 mins)
Heat a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat. Place the bread roll seam-side down in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside. The crust should be crispy and golden.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about the bread not cooking through, reduce the heat to low and cook a bit longer to ensure the inside is fully melted. Brush the cooked bread with melted butter for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Slice & Serve!
After letting the bread cool for 2 minutes, slice it into 1-inch pieces. Serve warm with a side of marinara or ranch dip for dipping.
Pro Tip: Serve immediately for the ultimate cheesy experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, you have fresh, cheesy bread on your plate.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of gooey melted cheese, garlic, and herbs will transport your taste buds to a place of pure happiness.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like bacon or jalapeños to make it your own.
Versatile: Serve it as a side, a snack, or an appetizer—this bread is perfect for any occasion!
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is too sticky, it might be because there’s too much liquid. Add 1 tbsp flour at a time until it’s smooth.
Bread Not Cooking Through: If the bread is golden on the outside but still doughy inside, lower the heat and cook a bit longer. You want a nice crispy crust, but make sure the middle is fully cooked.
Cheese Oozing Out: To prevent the cheese from leaking out, make sure the bread is sealed tightly at the edges.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as a Snack: This bread is delicious on its own or served with dips like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.
Pair with Soup or Salad: This bread makes an excellent side for hearty soups or fresh salads.
Perfect for Gatherings: This bread is great for parties or potlucks—serve it as an appetizer or along with a main dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds. You can also toast it for extra crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour will make the bread denser, but it will still be delicious.
2. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
3. Can I add more cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! Add as much cheese as you like, but remember to leave some for topping.
4. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, just proof it first in warm water with sugar for 5 minutes before adding it to the dough ingredients.
5. How can I make this dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese and swap the butter with oil or dairy-free margarine.
Tips & Tricks
Use a non-stick pan to ensure the bread cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Let the bread cool slightly before cutting to avoid the cheese running everywhere.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors—smoked gouda or pepper jack work wonders!
Recipe Variations
Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Bread:
Add cooked bacon bits and chopped jalapeños to the filling for a smoky, spicy twist. Follow the same steps, just stir in the extras when combining the cheese and seasonings.
Herbed Cheese Bread:
For a more aromatic flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese filling. This will add a fragrant touch and elevate the bread for more refined gatherings.
Vegetarian Spinach and Cheese Bread:
Add sautéed spinach to the cheesy filling for a healthy, vegetarian twist. The spinach will add a great texture and pair perfectly with the cheese.
Final Thoughts
The simplicity and warmth this cheese bread brings to the table can’t be overstated. It’s one of those dishes that perfectly balances ease with flavor, making it ideal for busy days or relaxed weekends. Each bite is a reminder of how something so straightforward can be incredibly satisfying. Perfect for your family or enjoying it alone with a good book, this bread makes any moment feel a little more special. It’s the kind of recipe that stays with you, no matter how many times you make it.
25-Minute Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for extra chewiness
- 1 tbsp sugar helps activate yeast
- 1 tsp instant yeast or 1.5 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk or water
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
For the Cheesy Filling:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan optional, for extra flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano or parsley
- 2 tbsp butter for brushing
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped jalapeños
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sautéed onions
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp yeast, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Add 1 cup warm milk and 2 tbsp oil (or melted butter). Stir to combine, then knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if dough is sticky.
- Mix 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp dried oregano or parsley in a bowl. Add optional extras like jalapeños or bacon bits.
- Roll out the dough into a 10x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a border. Roll up tightly, pinch the edges to seal.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat. Place the bread seam-side down and cover. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Let the bread cool for 2 minutes, then slice into 1-inch pieces. Serve warm with marinara or ranch dip.
