Layered Cheese Bread: A Soft, Cheesy Delight

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Dough:

200 ml (about 3/4 cup) milk
2 large eggs
50 ml (about 1/4 cup) vegetable oil
1 tsp (4 g) yeast
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp (20 g) sugar
390-400 g (3 cups) flour

For the Filling:

250 g (about 2 cups) cheese, grated or crumbled

For Greasing:

60 g (about 1/4 cup) butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast:
Start by warming the 200 ml of milk slightly. It should be lukewarm—not hot—to avoid killing the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with 1 tsp of yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 2 large eggs, 50 ml of vegetable oil, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 3 cups (390-400 g) of flour. Begin mixing the ingredients together with a spoon or a spatula until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it could make the bread dense.

Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a 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.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, grate or crumble 250 g of cheese and set it aside. You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your preference, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of your favorites.

3. Assemble the Bread

Divide the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want the layers to be.

Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a thin rectangle. The thinner you roll the dough, the more layers your bread will have.

Butter and Cheese the Dough:
Generously brush the rolled dough with melted butter. Then, evenly sprinkle the grated or crumbled cheese over the buttered surface. The butter will help the layers stay separate and create a rich, flaky texture.

Roll the Dough into Logs:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Repeat this process for all portions of dough.

4. Create the Layers

Layer or Twist the Dough:
You can either layer the dough logs on top of each other in a baking tray or loaf pan, or twist them together to create a more decorative loaf. If layering, simply place each log on top of the other. If twisting, intertwine the logs to form a braided effect.

5. Bake the Bread

Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

Bake the Bread:
Before placing the bread in the oven, brush the top with more melted butter for a golden, glossy finish. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.

6. Serve

Cool and Slice:
Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before removing it. Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal the beautiful layers of soft dough and melted cheese.

Enjoy:
Serve the bread warm, and enjoy the deliciously gooey layers of cheese between the tender, buttery dough. This Layered Cheese Bread is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or as part of a savory breakfast.

Nutritional Information

Servings: Approximately 8 slices
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 350 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 2 g
Protein: 10 g

Conclusion

This Layered Cheese Bread is a true crowd-pleaser, offering layers of tender bread interspersed with rich, melted cheese. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this bread is a comforting and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. The combination of soft dough, gooey cheese, and buttery layers makes this bread irresistible. Give it a try, and savor every bite!