Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough

Are you ready to indulge in a warm, cheesy delight that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or even as a side to your favorite pasta? This Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough is not just simple to make; it’s also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for more. With a golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of garlic, this cheesy bread is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. Let’s get started on this cheesy adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough. Here are just a few reasons why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it can complement any meal or stand alone as a delicious treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or extra cheeses to make it your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: This cheesy bread is great for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in.

Ingredient Notes

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your own cheesy bread:

• 1/2 cup warm water: Aim for a temperature of 107-110°F to activate the yeast.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast: Approximately half a packet, essential for the dough to rise.
• 1/2 tablespoon honey or sugar: This helps to feed the yeast for a better rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt: I used Diamond Kosher Salt; adjust if using table salt.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For moisture and flavor in the dough.
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour: You may need a little more or less depending on your environment.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Salted and melted for brushing on top.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for that aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a wonderful herbal note.
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese: Shredded, the star of the show.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for added richness.
• 1 tablespoon basil: Fresh and chopped (or parsley), for garnish.
• 1 cup pizza sauce: Warmed for dipping, or marinara works well too.

Tools of the Trade

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking.
• Whisk or Spoon: For mixing the dough and other ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: To place the cheesy bread while it bakes.
• Pastry Brush: For applying melted butter.
• Oven: Preheated to ensure the bread bakes evenly.

Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get to the good part! Here’s how to make this Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough from scratch.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey (or sugar). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to use!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour along with the olive oil. Mix until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its texture.

Step 4: Let it Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a small bowl. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. In another bowl, mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses together.

Step 6: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Evenly sprinkle the cheese mixture over the brushed dough. Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough up into a log shape, pinching the seams to seal.

Step 8: Cut and Arrange

Slice the rolled dough into equal pieces (about 1-2 inches thick) and place them cut-side up on a greased baking sheet. You can leave space between each piece for some expansion during baking.

Step 9: Final Rise

Cover the shaped bread again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10: Bake the Bread

After the final rise, bake the cheesy bread in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven, brush with any remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Serve warm with your choice of pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Enjoy!

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Elevate your Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough by trying out these seasonal flavor boosts:

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Spinach: Incorporate fresh spinach for a healthier option.
• Jalapeños: Spice things up with sliced jalapeños for a kick.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch.

Notes on Ingredients

When preparing your Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough, keep in mind the following:

• Fresh yeast gives the best results, but active dry yeast works perfectly well.
• Using high-protein bread flour will yield a chewier texture compared to all-purpose flour.
• Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for different flavor profiles.

Shelf Life & Storage

To keep your cheesy bread fresh:

• Store leftovers 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 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour creates a chewier result due to its higher protein content.

What can I use instead of pizza sauce for dipping?

Marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even ranch dressing can work wonderfully for dipping.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese for a delicious vegan version.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

In Closing

This Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves warm, cheesy goodness. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself making this bread time and again. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or just a cozy evening at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, get that dough rising, and enjoy a deliciously cheesy experience. Happy baking!

Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough

This Cheesy Bread is a warm, gooey delight! Perfect for snacking or as a side, it's a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup warm water aim for 107-110°F
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast approximately half a packet
• 1/2 tablespoon honey or sugar to feed the yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust if using table salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for moisture and flavor
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour adjust as needed
• 3 tablespoons butter salted and melted
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon basil fresh and chopped, for garnish
• 1 cup pizza sauce warmed for dipping

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or Spoon
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Oven

Method

 

1. Step 1: Activate the Yeast - Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and honey in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: Make the Dough - In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the Dough - Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Let it Rise - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture - Melt butter, mix in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then combine mozzarella and Parmesan in another bowl.
6. Step 6: Shape the Bread - Roll out the dough into a rectangle, brush with garlic butter, leaving a border.
7. Step 7: Add the Cheese - Sprinkle cheese mixture over the dough, roll it up tightly, and pinch seams to seal.
8. Step 8: Cut and Arrange - Slice rolled dough into 1-2 inch pieces and place cut-side up on a greased baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Final Rise - Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Step 10: Bake the Bread - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
11. Step 11: Garnish and Serve - Brush with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with basil, and serve warm with pizza sauce or marinara.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best results.