Cheesy Asiago Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for the kind of bread that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary, let me introduce you to Cheesy Asiago Bread. This loaf is everything you want: deeply aromatic, golden, and oozing with pockets of nutty melted Asiago cheese. It has that pillowy, soft inside you just want to tear into, and a perfectly crisped, cheesy crust that’s practically begging to be pulled apart and shared. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just love a show-stopping loaf on a weeknight, this recipe will instantly become a go-to in your bread-baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Asiago Bread lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one has a special role, from the robust bread flour that creates the perfect crumb, to the salty, sharp bite of Asiago cheese woven throughout every slice.

• Bread flour: Gives the bread its sturdy yet tender structure, helping it rise beautifully and hold all that cheesy goodness.
• Instant yeast: Ensures a reliable, quick rise so your bread is soft and airy every time.
• Salt: Balances the rich cheese and brings out the flavor in every bite.
• Granulated sugar: Just a pinch helps feed the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the cheese.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complements the nutty Asiago perfectly.
• 2% milk: Contributes moisture and softness to the loaf, making the crumb extra tender.
• Salted butter: Melts into the dough for extra richness and a hint of savory depth.
• Shredded Asiago cheese: The star of the show, providing bold, tangy flavor and the eye-catching cheese crust your bread needs.
• Large egg: Mixed with water to make a glossy egg wash that helps the cheese brown just right.
• Warm water: For combining with the egg to make the crust golden and irresistible.

How to Make Cheesy Asiago Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining 1 1/2 cups of the bread flour with your yeast, sugar, salt, and black pepper right in the bowl of your stand mixer. Give everything a quick whisk. This first step creates the flavor base and ensures the yeast gets evenly distributed so your Cheesy Asiago Bread rises like a dream.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the milk and butter together until the mixture reaches about 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. You want the butter softening and the milk nicely warm, but not hot enough to make scrambled yeast! This warmth helps everything blend together smoothly as you mix the dough.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together and Add Cheese

Pour the warm milk mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients and mix on low speed with your stand mixer’s paddle attachment. Once smooth, fold in most of the Asiago cheese (about 1 1/4 cups). This ensures that irresistible cheese flavor is woven through every bite of your Cheesy Asiago Bread, not just sitting on top.

Step 4: Knead to Develop Structure

Gradually mix in the remaining bread flour until you have a soft dough. Switch to the dough hook and knead for around 5 minutes. The dough should still stick a little to the bottom of the bowl but will pull away from the sides. Try not to over-flour; this little bit of stickiness is the secret to a tender, airy crumb stuffed with cheesy pockets.

Step 5: First Rise

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place your dough inside, turning once so all sides are coated. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap, then let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it nearly doubles in size, which should take about 30 to 45 minutes. This rest gives your bread its light, clouds-of-cheese texture.

Step 6: Shape and Second Rise

Gently punch down the dough to deflate it, then divide it in half. Shape each piece into a loaf and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes. Even if they don’t puff up much at this stage, don’t worry! The oven will give them a gorgeous spring.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Cheese Topping

Whisk together the egg with a tablespoon of warm water. Brush this mixture all over the tops of both loaves to create that signature shine. Sprinkle on the rest of your Asiago cheese—this is what bakes into a golden, crunchy crown on your Cheesy Asiago Bread that makes each slice completely irresistible.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the loaves at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes until beautifully golden and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees. Let your bread cool before slicing—it’s almost impossible to wait, but this step ensures those cheesy bits set just right inside each fluffy piece.

How to Serve Cheesy Asiago Bread

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Cheesy Asiago Bread with a light dusting of parmesan or a little fresh cracked black pepper right after baking. A scattering of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or chives also adds a lovely pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups and creamy pastas, or try serving thick slices alongside a crisp salad for a lunch that feels special. If you love indulgence, toast the bread lightly and dip it in a good olive oil or use it for a decadent grilled cheese sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic tabletop centerpiece, serve Cheesy Asiago Bread as a rustic pull-apart loaf or cube it for an appetizer platter. Top crostini slices with tomato and basil, or use thick wedges as the base for your next savory bread pudding. Either way, this bread loves the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap your Cheesy Asiago Bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for up to two days and stays wonderfully soft and flavorful when protected from air.

Freezing

Wrap loaves or individual slices in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then stash in the freezer for up to a month. Freezing preserves the cheesy richness and texture, making it easy to grab a piece of comfort whenever you crave it.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen bread (if necessary), then warm slices in a 300-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back the bread’s billowy center and revives the crispy, cheesy crust—so it tastes just baked!

FAQs

Can I substitute Asiago with another cheese?

Absolutely! While Asiago gives a unique nutty flavor, Parmesan, Gruyère, or sharp cheddar will all work in this recipe. Try your favorites for a custom cheesy twist on Cheesy Asiago Bread.

Do I have to use a stand mixer?

No mixer? No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It’ll take a few extra minutes of kneading, but you’ll get equally delicious results and a nice arm workout to boot.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a deep golden brown color and check with a food thermometer—the loaf should reach 190 degrees Fahrenheit inside. If you tap the bottom and hear a hollow sound, that’s your cue it’s done.

Can I make Cheesy Asiago Bread in advance?

Definitely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then shape and refrigerate the loaves overnight. The next day, just let the bread come to room temperature, add the egg wash and cheese topping, and bake fresh for maximum deliciousness.

What’s the best way to slice this bread?

Wait for the loaf to cool a bit, then use a serrated bread knife to get clean, thick slices that show off all those cheese pockets. Want extra decadence? Toast slices with a dab of butter.

Final Thoughts

Baking Cheesy Asiago Bread is more than just making bread—it’s bringing a little magic into your kitchen. Give this recipe a try, share it with someone you love, and watch as it quickly becomes a new favorite at your table!

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