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Copycat Italian Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 78 reviews

This Copycat Italian Cheese Bread recipe delivers a soft, cheesy, and flavorful homemade bread that rivals any restaurant version. With a tender yeast dough topped with a generous Italian cheese blend and seasoned butter, this bread is perfect for serving alongside pasta, soups, or enjoying as a savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast
  • 2 tsp Sugar
  • 1 cup Warm Water
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 cups Flour

Topping

  • 2 cups Italian Blend Cheese (pre-shredded)
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • Garlic Salt, to taste
  • Italian Seasoning Blend, to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast with warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes to activate and become frothy.
  2. Mix Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir and knead until you have a sticky, soft dough. Add more flour if needed to make it less sticky, but the dough should remain softer rather than firm.
  3. First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with tin foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Shape Dough: Lightly press the risen dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover and let it rise for an additional 10 to 15 minutes while preheating the oven.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Once the oven is ready, evenly sprinkle 2 cups of Italian blend cheese over the dough.
  8. Bake: Bake the cheese bread at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Brush with Butter: Melt the butter and brush it over the top of the hot cheese bread immediately after baking.
  10. Season: Generously sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning blend over the top of the buttered cheese bread.
  11. Slice: Carefully lift the bread out of the baking dish and place it on a cutting board. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a pizza cutter.
  12. Serve: Serve warm as a delicious side or snack.

Notes

  • The dough is intentionally soft and sticky; avoid adding too much flour to keep the bread tender.
  • Use warm water around 105-110°F for yeast activation to ensure proper rising.
  • For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or Parmesan cheese to the topping.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
  • Make sure to spray or grease the baking dish well to easily lift the bread after baking.

Keywords: Italian cheese bread, copycat cheese bread, homemade Italian bread, cheesy bread recipe, baked cheese bread

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/copycat-italian-cheese-bread-recipe/