If you are looking for a bread that perfectly balances a crispy crust with an irresistibly cheesy and tender inside, this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe is your new best friend. The nutty, sharp flavor of Asiago cheese melts right into the dough, creating a loaf that is bursting with cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, a snack with friends, or a delicious sandwich base, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen because it combines simple ingredients with a delightful baking technique to bring out the best in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe are straightforward but carefully chosen to bring out rich flavors and a perfect bread texture. Each component plays an important role—from the creamy milk that adds moisture to the pepper that gives a subtle kick—making this bread truly unforgettable.
- Bread flour: Provides the perfect gluten structure for a chewy yet tender crumb texture.
- Instant yeast: Leavens the dough quickly and efficiently for a light, airy loaf.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the cheese’s richness.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and contributes a touch of sweetness to brighten the savory notes.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and complexity to each bite.
- Milk: Enriches the dough, giving it softness and moisture.
- Butter: Brings richness and a tender crumb.
- Shredded Asiago cheese: The star ingredient providing a sharp, nutty flavor that infuses the bread inside and out.
- Egg (for egg wash): Creates a golden, glossy crust that’s irresistible.
- Water (for egg wash): Thins the egg wash for an even coating.
How to Make Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin your bread journey by combining 1½ cups of bread flour, the instant yeast, sugar, salt, and black pepper in the bowl of a stand mixer. This blend forms the flavorful base of your dough and ensures even distribution of seasoning and rising agents.
Step 2: Warm Milk & Butter
Warm the milk and butter together gently until the butter just starts to melt and the temperature reaches between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates the perfect warm environment to activate the yeast without killing it.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and beat it until the batter is smooth. Now it’s time to add 1¼ cups of shredded Asiago cheese, which will embed its amazing flavor deep into your bread.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually incorporate about 1¾ cups of additional bread flour. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft yet slightly sticky. Proper kneading helps develop gluten for that perfect chewiness.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is essential to achieve the airy texture we all love.
Step 6: Shape Loaves
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal pieces, shaping each into a loaf. Pop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for the next rise.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaves loosely and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. This final proof ensures a soft and fluffy interior once baked.
Step 8: Bake with Flavor
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush it evenly over the loaves to achieve that beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle the remaining Asiago cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Allow your Asiago Cheese Bread to cool slightly before slicing. This resting period locks in moisture, giving each slice the perfect texture. Serve warm or at room temperature to truly savor the cheese-infused goodness.
How to Serve Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Asiago Cheese Bread recipe even further, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking, or brushing a bit of garlic butter on top right after it comes out of the oven. These additions add wonderful aroma and layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups like roasted tomato basil or classic French onion. It also complements salads with vinaigrettes, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner settings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Asiago Cheese Bread sliced thick alongside a hearty charcuterie board or cut into cubes for dipping in warm spinach-artichoke dip. A little creativity can turn it into the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Asiago Cheese Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. Proper storage keeps the crust pleasant and the inside soft.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you want it again, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To refresh your Asiago Cheese Bread, reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This brings back the crust’s crispness and melts the cheese for that delightful experience as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of Asiago?
While Asiago cheese is the star of this recipe for its unique sharp and nutty flavor, you could substitute with Parmesan or sharp cheddar. Just know the flavor profile will slightly change, but it will still be delicious!
Is it necessary to use bread flour?
Bread flour is preferred because its higher protein content creates stronger gluten strands for a chewy texture, which is ideal for this loaf. All-purpose flour can work in a pinch but expect a softer crumb.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead by hand. It just requires a bit more elbow grease and time to develop the gluten properly, but it’s a wonderful way to connect with the bread-making process.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The crust should be golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of garlic powder into the dough can enhance the flavor beautifully and personalize your Asiago Cheese Bread recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe is a heartfelt gift to anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread with a cheesy twist. It’s approachable, satisfying, and bursting with flavor from the first slice to the last crumb. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with warmth and turns simple meals into special moments. Happy baking!
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Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 small loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe yields two small loaves of soft, cheesy bread with a golden crust and rich Asiago flavor. Perfect as a savory snack or alongside meals, it features a tender crumb infused with Asiago cheese and a lightly peppered dough, finished with an egg wash and extra cheese topping for a beautiful golden finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups bread flour (divided)
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Mix-ins and Toppings:
- 2¼ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided use)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 1½ cups of bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
- Warm Milk & Butter: Heat milk and butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe container until the mixture reaches 120–130ºF, just enough to start melting the butter.
- Combine: Add the warm milk and butter mixture to the dry ingredients and beat until the batter is smooth. Stir in 1¼ cups of shredded Asiago cheese into the mixture.
- Knead the Dough: Attach the dough hook to the mixer and gradually add about 1¾ cups more bread flour while kneading. Continue kneading for 5 minutes until the dough becomes soft and slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 30–45 minutes.
- Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough, divide it into two equal pieces, and shape each into a loaf. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves loosely and allow them to rise again for 20–30 minutes, until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Prepare an egg wash by mixing the egg with water, then brush it over the loaves. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Asiago cheese on top. Bake the loaves for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 190ºF.
- Cool & Serve: Let the breads cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best yeast activation and dough consistency.
- Make sure milk mixture is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Substitute Asiago cheese with Parmesan or another hard cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Check the bread with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 190ºF internally for a fully baked loaf.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
