French Cheese Bread Recipe is one of my absolute favorite recipes to make. There’s something about the combination of crispy, golden bread and gooey, melted cheese that I can’t resist.
As a food lover, I’m always experimenting with flavors, and French Cheese Bread Recipe never disappoints.
The rich mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère creates a creamy, savory filling, while the fresh herbs and Italian seasoning bring a perfect balance.
I also love adding bacon for a smoky twist. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Whenever I serve French Cheese Bread Recipe, it’s always a hit.
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always disappears fast! Trust me, this French Cheese Bread Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
What Does French Cheese Bread Recipe Taste Like?
French Cheese Bread Recipe offers a delicious combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors. The bread itself is soft, airy, and slightly chewy on the inside, with a crisp, golden-brown crust on the outside.
The cheese melts into the dough, creating pockets of gooey, flavorful cheese throughout the bread.
Depending on the types of cheese used (like mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère), you’ll experience a rich, buttery taste with hints of saltiness and mild sharpness.
The addition of herbs or garlic (if included) can add a savory, aromatic depth, making each bite even more irresistible.
Overall, it’s a comforting and indulgent bread with a perfect balance of flavors.
How To Prepare French Cheese Bread Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: French-inspired
Yield: 1 loaf (serves 8-10 people)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Grater (for cheese)
- Kitchen towel (optional)
Ingredients
- 5 loaves (5 lbs.) French bread, unsliced
- 2 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 5 cups (40 oz.) whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- 5 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 2/3 cups mayonnaise
- 20 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 5 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
- 10 Tbsp. minced green onion
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the French loaves into 1-inch thick slices, but leave the slices still attached at the bottom, so it forms a loaf you can pull apart later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese, dried basil, Italian seasoning, mayonnaise, crumbled bacon (optional), chopped fresh parsley (optional), chives, and minced green onions. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Gently spread the cheese mixture between the slices of bread, making sure to fill every crevice. You may need to use a spoon to help push the mixture between the slices.
4. Once the bread is fully coated, wrap each loaf tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped loaves on a baking sheet.
5. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, carefully remove the foil and garnish with fresh parsley (optional) before serving.
6. Pull apart slices of the cheesy, flavorful bread, and enjoy with your guests!
Notes
1. Avoid Over-Kneading: While it’s important to knead the dough to develop the gluten, be careful not to overdo it. Over-kneading can result in a dense, tough texture. Aim for a soft, elastic dough for the best outcome.
2. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preferences. Sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda all work wonderfully in this bread. Just make sure to use a mix of cheeses for a variety of flavors and textures.
3. Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: Make sure the water is not too hot when activating the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly. Aim for a temperature of around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation.
4. Let the Dough Rise Fully: Be patient during the rising process. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour. Skipping this step or rushing it can result in denser bread with less fluffiness.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Serving Suggestions
1. Pair with Soup
Serve it alongside a warm, hearty soup like French onion, tomato basil, or creamy potato. The cheese bread complements the rich flavors of the soup while adding a satisfying crunch.
2. Cheese and Charcuterie Platter
Slice the bread and pair it with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a savory appetizer or a light lunch. The bread’s cheesy flavor pairs beautifully with salty, tangy charcuterie.
3. Garlic Butter Dip
Warm slices of the cheese bread and serve them with a side of garlic butter for dipping. The garlic butter adds an extra layer of richness that perfectly complements the bread’s savory taste.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Use slices of this French Cheese Bread to make a decadent grilled cheese sandwich. Add extra fillings like tomato, bacon, or avocado for a more indulgent twist.
5. Bruschetta Toppings
Toast slices of the bread and top with fresh tomato, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a French-inspired bruschetta. The cheesy bread adds a delicious base for the fresh, tangy topping.
Tips And Variations
1. Different Cheese Combinations
If you want to experiment with the cheese, feel free to try other varieties like Gouda, Cheddar, or a sharp blue cheese. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor and texture to the bread.
2. Herbed Bread
Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough to give it an extra burst of flavor. Fresh or dried herbs work well and can enhance the overall aroma of the bread.
3. Make it Gluten-Free
You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to also add xanthan gum for structure.
4. Add Garlic for Extra Flavor
For a more pronounced garlic flavor, try adding roasted garlic to the dough. The mellow, sweet taste of roasted garlic pairs beautifully with the cheese.
5. Add Malted Butter And Fresh Herbs
For an extra burst of flavor, try brushing the top of the bread with melted butter and fresh herbs like rosemary before baking. This will add a delightful aroma and savory touch that enhances the cheese flavor.
Health Benefits
French Cheese Bread Recipe, when made with wholesome ingredients, offers several health benefits. The cheese provides a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, which support bone health, muscle function, and overall energy.
The bread itself, especially if made with whole grains, offers dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Additionally, depending on the type of cheese used, it can contribute beneficial probiotics, promoting gut health.
While rich in flavor, choosing lower-fat cheese options can keep the bread indulgent yet balanced for a nutritious snack or meal.
Storage Tips
After baking, allow the bread to cool completely before storing it. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped in a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let it come to room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
French Cheese Bread Recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish perfect for any occasion. With its crispy, golden crust and gooey, flavorful cheese filling, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This French Cheese Bread Recipe, adjusted for 10 servings, combines a variety of cheeses, fresh herbs, and optional bacon to create a rich, savory treat.
The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère delivers a smooth, creamy texture, while the Italian seasoning and fresh parsley add a delightful aromatic finish.
Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, this cheesy bread is easy to make, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more!
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French Cheese Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Grater (for cheese)
- Kitchen towel (optional)
Ingredients
- 5 loaves 5 lbs. French bread, unsliced
- 2 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 5 cups 40 oz. whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- 5 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- 1 2/3 cups mayonnaise
- 20 slices bacon crisply cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 5 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
- 10 Tbsp. minced green onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the French loaves into 1-inch thick slices, but leave the slices still attached at the bottom, so it forms a loaf you can pull apart later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese, dried basil, Italian seasoning, mayonnaise, crumbled bacon (optional), chopped fresh parsley (optional), chives, and minced green onions. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Gently spread the cheese mixture between the slices of bread, making sure to fill every crevice. You may need to use a spoon to help push the mixture between the slices.
- Once the bread is fully coated, wrap each loaf tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped loaves on a baking sheet.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, carefully remove the foil and garnish with fresh parsley (optional) before serving.
- Pull apart slices of the cheesy, flavorful bread, and enjoy with your guests!