If you are searching for a bread that combines a crispy crust with a tender, cheesy interior, this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe is a true treasure. Rich with the bold and nutty flavors of Asiago cheese, this bread brings a mouthwatering aroma and irresistible texture that will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Perfectly golden on the outside and delectably soft inside, this bread elevates any meal, whether sliced for sandwiches or served warm alongside your favorite soup. The Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe brings Italian-American charm right into your kitchen with ingredients that are simple but powerful, creating an artisan loaf that feels both comforting and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe plays an important role, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the loaf. The list is straightforward, yet each item ensures you get that perfect balance of chewiness, crust, and cheesy goodness.
- Bread flour (4 cups): Provides the necessary gluten structure for a chewy, well-risen loaf.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for leavening the bread and creating a light, airy crumb.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for perfect dough development.
- Warm water (1 ½ cups, 110°F): Activates yeast and hydrates the flour to form the dough.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- Shredded Asiago cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): The star ingredient that infuses the bread with its signature savory, tangy flavor.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast and helps achieve a slightly caramelized crust color.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Brushed on top after baking for a softer, glossy crust.
How to Make Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to give your bread that beautiful rise.
Step 2: Combine initial ingredients
Once your yeast is activated, add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of the bread flour. Mix this until you get a shaggy dough that just begins to come together. Then fold in 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese to start infusing the dough with rich cheesy flavor right from the beginning.
Step 3: Form the dough
Gradually sprinkle in the remaining flour until your dough turns soft and slightly sticky. Knead the dough by hand or use a dough hook on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops gluten, giving you that perfect chewy texture in the finished loaf.
Step 4: First rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it doubles in size. This leisurely rise lets the flavors meld and the yeast work its magic.
Step 5: Shape and second rise
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, then move it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and allow it to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, developing a delicate crumb and lightness.
Step 6: Prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, generously sprinkle the remaining half cup of Asiago cheese over the top of your loaf and make a few shallow slashes with a sharp knife. These slashes not only add a rustic touch but also help control how the bread expands in the oven.
Step 7: Bake and finish
Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and sounds hollow when tapped—a true sign of perfectly baked bread. If you want a softer, glossy finish, brush melted butter over the crust right after baking. Allow the loaf to cool before slicing to enjoy the full depth of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top just before baking can enhance the rustic charm of your Asiago Cheese Bread. For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider brushing on a little garlic-infused olive oil along with the Asiago topping for a fragrant, savory crust.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with creamy tomato soup, classic minestrone, or even a crisp Caesar salad. Its cheesy-savory notes complement both light and hearty dishes, making it perfect for a comforting lunch or a stylish dinner appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Asiago Cheese Bread thick and serve alongside an assortment of gourmet cheeses and charcuterie for a show-stopping appetizer platter. You can also turn it into an irresistible sandwich bread—try it with roasted vegetables, turkey, or even a simple smear of herb butter for a homemade twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Asiago Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain its freshness longer, store it in an airtight container or bread box to keep that crust from becoming too tough.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cheesy delight later, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable plastic bag. Frozen Asiago Cheese Bread stays great for up to three months and can be toasted straight from the freezer for a quick snack or meal addition.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster or oven until crisp and aromatic. For an entire loaf, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This method revives the soft inside and crispy crust just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Asiago cheese is what gives this bread its signature flavor, you can experiment with Parmesan, Gruyère, or even sharp cheddar for delicious variations with their own unique twists.
Is it necessary to use bread flour for this recipe?
Bread flour is recommended because of its higher protein content, which helps develop gluten and creates that perfect chewy texture. If you only have all-purpose flour, the bread will still turn out tasty but a bit softer and less chewy.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Adding rosemary, garlic powder, or cracked black pepper can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. Just mix them in with the flour during the initial combining stage for consistent flavor throughout the bread.
How long does it keep fresh once baked?
Fresh Asiago Cheese Bread is best enjoyed within two days. Beyond that, it may start to stale, but you can always freeze slices to enjoy the delightful taste later.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Definitely. You can mix the dough by hand using a big bowl and then knead on a lightly floured surface. It just requires some elbow grease but works perfectly well for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little artisan charm and cheesy comfort into your kitchen. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, this bread offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that make every bite memorable. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll not only impress yourself but anyone lucky enough to share a slice with you!
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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 creates a deliciously soft and savory artisan loaf with a golden crust topped with shredded Asiago cheese. Perfect for sandwiches or served warm with soup, this homemade bread combines the nutty flavor of Asiago cheese with a tender crumb, offering a delightful Italian-American twist to classic bread baking.
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
- 1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided)
Topping
- 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 that the yeast is active.
- Mix dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of the bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then fold in 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or using a dough hook attachment on low speed for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Asiago cheese evenly over the top of the loaf. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slashes on the surface of the bread.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Finish and cool: Optional: brush the warm loaf with melted butter to achieve a softer crust and enhanced flavor. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a stronger, more complex flavor, use aged Asiago cheese.
- To add extra flavor, incorporate herbs such as rosemary or garlic powder into the dough.
- This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or is delicious served warm alongside soups.
