If you’ve been dreaming of a warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible homemade loaf, then this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine a bread with a golden crust, speckled with that nutty, sharp Asiago cheese that melts into every bite, delivering incredible flavor and a delightful texture. It’s an artisan loaf that feels fancy but comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for sandwiches, alongside soups, or simply enjoyed warm with a swipe of butter, this bread quickly becomes a beloved staple once you try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though it might seem like just bread and cheese, every ingredient in this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe plays a crucial role in making the perfect loaf. From the yeast that gives life and rise to the dough, to the Asiago cheese that delivers that unmistakable savory punch, these ingredients are both simple and essential.
- 4 cups bread flour: Provides the structure and chewiness that define a great artisan loaf.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Makes the dough rise beautifully and develop a lovely texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity to keep the bread flavorful.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for the perfect dough consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and enriches the crumb for a tender bite.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided): The star ingredient that infuses the bread with sharp, tangy, creamy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping it to activate and rise.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing): Creates a soft, golden crust and adds a luxurious finish.
How to Make Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This foaming tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough.
Step 2: Build the dough
Next, stir in the olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour into your yeast mixture until it starts to come together in a shaggy dough. Then add 1 cup of that beautiful shredded Asiago cheese, folding it in gently to spread the flavor throughout. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until the dough feels soft but slightly sticky.
Step 3: Knead with love
Whether you are using your hands or a dough hook attachment on your mixer, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth, elastic, and ready to trap the air that will make your loaf light and airy.
Step 4: Let it rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, then find a warm, cozy spot for it to rise. This first rise takes about an hour or until your dough has doubled in size, a sure sign it’s ready for the next step.
Step 5: Shape the loaf
Once your dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release excess air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover again, and let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes to develop that characteristic bready texture.
Step 6: Prep for baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Right before your bread hits the oven, sprinkle the remaining half cup of Asiago cheese over the top for an extra cheesy crust. Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes across the surface. These slashes allow steam to escape and give your bread a traditional artisan look.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake your loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, until a beautiful golden brown crust forms and the bread sounds hollow when you tap it on the bottom. If you like a softer crust, lightly brush the loaf with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven. Then, let it cool before slicing to enjoy the full depth of flavors developed inside.
How to Serve Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top just before baking can elevate the flavor beautifully and complement the Asiago cheese’s nutty notes. A generous brush of garlic butter can add an extra dimension, perfect for sharing at your next gathering.
Side Dishes
This Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe pairs exceptionally well with soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom. It also makes an excellent companion to hearty salads or as a base for gourmet sandwiches, thanks to its robust flavor and satisfying texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this bread as part of a cheese board, sliced into rustic chunks, invites everyone to enjoy it with spreads, olives, or charcuterie. It’s also wonderful toasted and topped with avocado or your favorite spreads for a flavorful snack or light meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Asiago Cheese Bread wrapped tightly in foil or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain its freshness and slightly chewy texture.
Freezing
To enjoy your Asiago Cheese Bread later, slice it first and freeze in a sealed bag or container. This makes it easy to grab just the amount you want without thawing the entire loaf. Frozen bread keeps well for up to three months.
Reheating
For the best warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, reheat slices in a toaster or oven set at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back that irresistible crust and melty cheese aroma that makes this bread so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Asiago?
Absolutely! While Asiago gives this bread its signature flavor, you can experiment with Parmesan or sharp cheddar for different cheesy profiles. Just keep in mind that textures and meltability may slightly vary.
Do I have to knead the dough by hand?
Not at all! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time and effort. Either method works well, just make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What’s the best way to tell when the bread is fully baked?
Besides the golden brown crust, gently tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow, which means the inside is cooked through and perfectly airy.
Can I add herbs or other seasonings to this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe?
Yes! Adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough can enhance the flavor and make each loaf unique to your taste.
How long does the first rise usually take?
It typically takes about one hour for the dough to double in size, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. A cozy spot will help the yeast activate fully.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe in your kitchen arsenal, get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with home-baked goodness that feels both special and comforting. There’s something truly magical about pulling a warm, cheesy loaf from your oven that invites smiles and second helpings. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients, and let this bread bring a little joy and deliciousness to your table soon!
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Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe combines a soft, homemade bread with the savory richness of shredded Asiago cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden crust and enhanced with a buttery finish, this artisan loaf is ideal for sandwiches or enjoyed warm alongside your favorite soups. The bread features a tender crumb with a subtle, cheesy flavor that makes it an irresistible treat for any cheese lover.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Cheese and Finishing
- 1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese thoroughly.
- Add Remaining Flour and Knead: Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough develops. Knead the dough either by hand or using a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic in texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Asiago cheese over the top of the loaf and make a few shallow slashes on the surface with a sharp knife.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Finish and Cool: Optionally brush the warm loaf with melted butter to create a softer crust. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use aged Asiago cheese for a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
- To add flavor variations, incorporate herbs like rosemary or garlic powder into the dough during mixing.
- This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving warm alongside soups.
