Cheese Bread Recipe
Cheese bread is a beloved snack in the Philippines. It’s known for its soft, pillowy texture and cheesy, sweet topping. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a gathering, Filipino cheese bread never fails to impress. In this post, we’ll share a quick and easy cheese bread recipe, along with some tips to help you make the perfect batch every time.
Why People Love Cheese Bread
People love cheese bread for many reasons. For one, it has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, while the cheese topping is savory. It’s also warm, comforting, and satisfying, making it a favorite for snacks or breakfast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, and you probably already have most of the baking ingredients in your kitchen.
The flavors in this cheese bread recipe also draw people in. The dough isn’t overly sweet, which makes it the perfect base for the cheese streusel topping. It’s the kind of snack that feels indulgent but doesn’t take much time or effort to prepare.
Cheese Bread Recipe Tips
Making the perfect Filipino cheese bread doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these tips help you bake like a pro.
1. Proof Your Yeast Properly
Yeast helps the dough rise and become soft and fluffy. So, make sure you proof the yeast before mixing it into the dough. Combine the yeast with warm water and sugar, then wait for about five minutes until it gets bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble up, the yeast is likely dead, so you should try again with a new packet.
2. Let the Dough Rest
Let the dough rise to get that light, fluffy texture. It should double in size during the resting period, so make sure you give it enough time. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed things up by putting the bowl in a slightly warm oven (about 50°C) and letting it rise for about 30 minutes. Just make sure the oven isn’t too hot, or it could kill the yeast.
3. Ben Consistent With Your Cheese Topping
The streusel topping is the key to taking your cheese bread recipe to the next level. Make sure the butter softens before mixing it with the dry ingredients. Doing this helps the streusel come together in small, crumbly pieces that will stick to the dough balls. You should also distribute the grated cheese evenly to get that cheesy goodness in every bite.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Leave a little space between the balls when placing them on the baking sheet. They’ll expand slightly while baking, and overcrowding the pan could result in uneven cooking. Plus, some space lets the heat circulate better. It also helps give the cheese bread that golden finish.
What to Serve with Filipino Cheese Bread
Filipino cheese bread is delicious on its own, but you can always pair it with a few things to make your snack or meal even better. Here are some ideas:
Coffee or Tea
A cup of breakfast beverage like coffee or tea is a great companion for cheese bread. The warmth of the drink pairs well with the soft, cheesy bread. Plus, the combo makes you feel cozy.
Hot Chocolate
If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, serve it with hot chocolate. The creamy, chocolatey flavor contrasts nicely with the savory cheese topping. This combo works especially well during cold mornings or rainy afternoons.
Fruits or Salad
Do you want lighter sides? You can also serve your cheese bread with fresh fruits, a simple fruit salad, or a healthy vegetable salad. The acidity of fruits like pineapple or orange can cut through the richness of the cheese bread. Meanwhile, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would also balance out the bread.
How to Store Filipino Cheese Bread
Do you want to store your cheese bread? Let it cool completely on a wire rack first. Once done, place it in an airtight container or plastic bag to keep it fresh. It should stay good at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate the cheese bread if you want to keep it longer. Just wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back its warm, fluffy texture.
For those who prefer it fresh out of the oven, you can always make a smaller batch if you don’t want to store it. But if you do end up with leftovers, refrigerating is a great option.
Cheese Bread Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 15 pieces
Ingredients
For the Dough
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons warm water
½ tablespoon sugar
¼ cup butter or shortening
½ cup milk
¼ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
For the Streusel Topping
1 cup grated cheese
¼ cup flour
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
½ cup powdered milk
Instructions
- Mix yeast, warm water, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes or until bubbly.
- Whisk together the milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in one cup of flour until it forms a thick paste.
- Then, gradually add the remaining flour, egg, and the activated yeast. Stir with a spatula until it forms a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about ten minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Next, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it doubles in size.
- Cut the butter into the flour until small chunks form in a bowl. Add the powdered sugar, powdered milk, and grated cheese. Stir until everything is mixed and crumbly.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls (the size of a golf ball). Roll each dough ball in the cheese streusel topping and press gently so it sticks. Place the balls on the baking sheet and leave some space between them.
- Bake the dough balls for twelve minutes or until they’re slightly golden. Turn off the oven and leave them inside for an extra five minutes to finish cooking.
- Let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy while they’re still warm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheese bread is made of fresh milk, butter, egg, cheese, salt, powdered milk, sugar, and flour.
Grated cheddar cheese is best for cheese bread because it melts well, has a rich flavor, and balances the sweetness of the dough.
Yes, cheese bread is healthy when consumed in moderation. It contains sugar, butter, and cheese, so eating a lot may not be the best for your health.
Conclusion
The cheese bread’s soft dough and cheesy topping make it a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, enjoying it with coffee, or saving it for later, cheese bread is amazing. So what are you waiting for? Grab your baking tools and start following this easy cheese bread recipe. Happy baking!
About HICAPS
Over the years, HICAPS has helped bakers and businesses make delicious products by offering ingredients like ChiffonAide Cake Oil, Magic Whizk Whipping Cream, Red Velvet Flavor Emulco, and Instabake Brownie Mix.
HICAPS also provides tools and resources to valued partners, such as the free “How to Increase Your Sales Amidst the Pandemic” E-book and free dealer locator that helps look for baking ingredients near me.
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