There’s something incredibly comforting about cheesy bread. It’s warm, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying, making it the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. Using pizza dough as the base for this Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough not only simplifies the process but also adds a delightful texture that you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a cozy family dinner, or just craving a cheesy indulgence, this recipe is sure to please.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough is not only easy to make but also customizable. You can adjust the cheese blend to your liking, add herbs, or even incorporate your favorite toppings. It’s a fun way to experiment in the kitchen while delivering a delicious result every time. Plus, the aroma of baking bread combined with melted cheese is simply irresistible!
Your Shopping Guide
- Warm Water: 1/2 cup at 107-110°F, essential for activating the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 1/2 teaspoons is great for a fluffy texture.
- Honey or Sugar: 1/2 tablespoon to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for flavor; use less if using table salt.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon enhances the dough’s richness.
- Bread Flour: 1 1/2 cups for the perfect chewy texture.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted, to brush over the bread for flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for that aromatic punch.
- Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon to infuse flavor.
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan for that cheesy goodness.
- Basil or Parsley: 1 tablespoon, freshly chopped, for garnish.
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup, warmed, for dipping.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your dough ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking!
- Whisk: To mix the yeast, water, and sugar together.
- Baking Sheet: For baking your cheesy bread.
- Oven: Preheated to ensure perfect baking.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter on the bread.
Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Start by combining 1/2 cup of warm water (aim for 107-110°F) with 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1/2 tablespoon of honey or sugar in a mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In another bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the frothy yeast mixture. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of bread flour, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly depending on the humidity.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
Step 4: Let it 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 doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the dough is rising, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and mix in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready for your cheesy bread.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Brush the garlic butter mixture over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly and 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 9: Cut and Shape
Cut the dough into strips or squares, depending on your preference. You can also twist them for a fun presentation!
Step 10: Bake the Cheesy Bread
Place the cut pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, brush any remaining garlic butter over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm with a cup of pizza sauce for dipping.
Spring to Winter: Ideas
- Add cooked bacon or pepperoni for a meatier version.
- Incorporate spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie twist.
- Try using different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors.
- Serve with various dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Ensure your water is at the right temperature; too hot can kill the yeast.
- If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour will work, but the texture may vary slightly.
- For added flavor, let the dough rise in a warm place for longer; this develops a deeper taste.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the butter for added flavor depth.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Leftover cheesy bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze the cheesy bread before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Quick Q&A
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and works just as well for this cheesy bread recipe.
How do I make the bread fluffier?
Ensure that your yeast is fresh and activated properly. Additionally, kneading the dough well and allowing it to rise sufficiently will result in a fluffier texture.
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
While cheese is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fillings like a mixture of vegetables or meats, though it won’t be a traditional cheesy bread.
What can I use as a dipping sauce besides pizza sauce?
Ranch dressing, marinara, or garlic butter are excellent alternatives that can complement the cheesy bread nicely.
Healthy-ish Favorites
Before You Go
Your journey to cheesy bliss begins with this Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging in your own little cheesy escape, this recipe will surely become a staple in your home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create something delicious that you’ll be proud to serve!
Cheesy Bread Recipe with Pizza Dough
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup Warm Water at 107-110°F
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1/2 tablespoon Honey or Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt use less if using table salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Bread Flour
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons Butter 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 or Parsley freshly chopped
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce warmed, for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- Combine 1/2 cup warm water (107-110°F), 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1/2 tablespoon honey or sugar in a mixing bowl. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix and Knead the Dough
- In another bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil with the yeast mixture. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups bread flour until a dough forms.
- Turn dough onto floured surface and knead 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour if sticky.
Let Dough Rise
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter and mix in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll Out and Add Cheese
- Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into 1/2 inch thick rectangle.
- Brush garlic butter over dough, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated parmesan evenly on top.
Cut, Shape, and Bake
- Cut dough into strips or squares, or twist for presentation.
- Place pieces on baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Brush remaining garlic butter over baked bread, sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley, and serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure your water is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- If bread flour is unavailable, all-purpose flour can be used but may affect texture slightly.
- Leftover cheesy bread stores well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen before baking for up to 2 months.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add toppings like bacon, pepperoni, or veggies for variety.
- For fluffier bread, knead well and allow the dough to rise fully in a warm environment.
