Savory Italian Cheese Loaf
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Savory Italian Cheese Loaf, a warm, cheesy bread that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses creates a gooey interior, while the crisp, golden crust adds an irresistible texture. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also impresses everyone at your table. Serve it warm as an appetizer, as a side to your favorite Italian meal, or enjoy it cold as a snack. Once you try it, you'll be hooked!
1
Servings
1800
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Coarse black pepper
2 teaspoons
Melted butter or margarine
2 tablespoons
Frozen bread dough
1 1/2 lbs (defrosted (or homemade))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to a low setting to create a warm environment for the dough to rise.
2
Place the defrosted bread dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in the warm oven until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
3
While waiting, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, grated parmesan, and coarse black pepper in a bowl. Set the cheese mixture aside.
4
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove excess air and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
5
Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 x 16 inches.
6
Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
7
Sprinkle the cheese and pepper mixture liberally across the buttered dough, ensuring even coverage.
8
Starting from one 16-inch side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
9
Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends under to create a neat loaf shape.
10
Position the loaf seam-side down on a greased cookie sheet.
11
Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf for decorative purposes.
12
Return the loaf to the warm oven and allow it to rise again until doubled in size.
13
Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the loaf for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
14
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm, or allow to cool completely for later enjoyment. Pair it with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired!
Nutrition Information
100g
Fat
150g
Carbs
80g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Italian Cheese Loaf?
It is a warm, cheesy bread featuring a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses with a crisp, golden crust.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese.
How long does the bread dough need to rise initially?
The dough should rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Can I use homemade bread dough?
Yes, you can use 1.5 lbs of either defrosted frozen bread dough or your own homemade dough.
At what temperature should the Savory Italian Cheese Loaf be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F for baking.
How long does the baking process take?
Bake the loaf for 20-25 minutes until it is golden brown.
What dimensions should I roll the dough into?
Roll the dough into a rectangle that is approximately 10 x 16 inches.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Should this bread be served warm or cold?
It is best enjoyed warm for the gooey cheese texture, but it can also be served cold as a snack.
Is this recipe suitable for appetizers?
Absolutely, it is recommended as an appetizer or a side dish for Italian meals.
What is the total calorie count for the loaf?
The entire loaf contains approximately 1800 calories.
How much fat is in the Savory Italian Cheese Loaf?
There are 100g of fat in the recipe.
How much protein does this bread contain?
The loaf contains 80g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates in this recipe?
The loaf contains 150g of carbohydrates.
How much black pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of coarse black pepper.
What is the purpose of slashing the top of the dough?
Making 3 to 4 diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf is done for decorative purposes.
How do I shape the dough into a loaf?
Roll the dough into a tight log starting from the 16-inch side, pinch the seam closed, and tuck the ends under.
What should I do after the dough is rolled into a log?
Place it seam-side down on a greased cookie sheet and let it rise again until doubled in size.
What is a good dipping sauce for this bread?
Marinara sauce is highly recommended for dipping.
Does the dough need to be punched down?
Yes, after the first rise, punch the dough down gently to remove excess air before rolling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, black pepper, butter, and bread dough.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its warm, cheesy, and savory nature.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.
Is the recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy bread recipe that impresses guests.
How should I prep the baking surface?
You should use a greased cookie sheet to prevent the loaf from sticking.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it makes an excellent side dish for any Italian-inspired meal.