Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe

You know those recipes that feel like a big, warm hug when you bake them? That’s exactly how I feel about this Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe. The ooey-gooey cheese filling paired with that tender, slightly crisp bread is just irresistible. Whether you’re craving a snack, a side for dinner, or want to impress guests without too much fuss, this stuffed cheesy bread hits the spot every single time.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—I was amazed at how the mozzarella and cheddar melded together, creating those perfect cheesy pockets that I just couldn’t get enough of. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly straightforward to make, and the garlic butter glaze on top takes it over the moon. It’s definitely become a family favorite, and I promise, once you try it, it’ll be on your regular rotation too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are staples that come together beautifully to create that soft, flavorful dough and that irresistible cheesy filling. Plus, the garlic butter glaze is the secret weapon that seals all that goodness.

• All-purpose flour: Essential for a soft but sturdy dough that holds the cheese well without getting soggy.
• Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and add a subtle hint of sweetness to the bread.
• Kosher salt: Balances the flavors in both the dough and cheese filling; don’t skip it!
• Instant yeast: Makes rising easier with quicker activation compared to active dry yeast.
• Warm water: Perfect temperature is key here—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold slows the rise.
• Mozzarella cheese: Choose whole milk or part-skim shredded for great melt and stretch.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds just the right tang and sharpness to complement mozzarella.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle adds a subtle nutty depth to the cheese mixture.
• Garlic powder: Brings an extra flavor punch inside the cheesy filling.
• Dried parsley flakes: Freshens up the flavor with a mild herbaceous note.
• Salted butter: Melted for brushing on the bread to add richness and a golden finish.
• Fresh garlic: Minced for that punchy, fresh garlicky butter glaze on top.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe is—feel free to make it your own! Whether you want it spicier, dairy-free, or packed with more herbs, you can tweak it easily based on what you have or what you prefer.

• Spicy Kick: I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture and it gave the bread a delightful spicy warmth that my family loved.
• Herb Explosion: Adding fresh chopped rosemary or basil in the cheese mix amps up aromas and layers of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out cheeses for dairy-free versions and use olive oil with minced garlic instead of butter for brushing.
• Stuffed with Extras: I’ve experimented with adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier stuffed bread.

How to Make Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe

Step 1: Knead the Dough with Care

Start by mixing up the dough ingredients in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook—if you don’t have one, no worries, kneading by hand works too, just takes a bit more elbow grease. Knead on low speed or by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 hours until it doubles in size—it’s worth the wait! Make sure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F, so the yeast wakes up nicely.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, toss together mozzarella, sharp cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and parsley flakes in a bowl. This combo is what makes the cheesy bread so tasty—you want the cheeses to be evenly mixed so every bite gets cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Shape, Fill, and Fold

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it into two equal pieces. Flour your work surface lightly and roll one piece into a 10×8 inch rectangle. Spread about three-quarters of a cup of the cheese mixture on one half of the rectangle lengthwise, then fold the other half over to cover the cheese. Press the edges firmly to seal all that melty goodness inside—this step is key to avoid cheese oozing out while baking. Place your sealed dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the other piece.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Cuts

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut 8 strips about one inch wide on each dough piece, careful not to slice all the way through. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture evenly over the tops of both breads. This topping layer browns beautifully and adds extra cheesiness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the breads into a preheated oven at 450°F and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye as ovens vary, but you want a gorgeous golden crust without burning.

Step 6: Brush on Garlic Butter and Serve

While the breads bake, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley flakes for your garlic butter glaze. As soon as the breads come out, generously brush the tops with this mixture to infuse flavor and add shine. Serve warm with any leftover garlic butter and a side of marinara for dipping—trust me, it’s heavenly.

How to Serve Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple and love sprinkling a little extra dried parsley or some freshly chopped basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. If I’m serving it for a party, I sometimes add a dusting of chili flakes for guests who like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad for contrast or a bowl of hearty tomato soup. We also enjoy it alongside pasta dishes or even chili—the garlic butter and melted cheese complement those flavors so well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the cheesy bread braided or tied with fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs. Another fun idea is cutting it into smaller baguette-sized portions and stacking them with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a sharing board vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover cheesy bread tightly in foil and refrigerate it. It keeps well for about 3 days—just make sure to bring to room temperature before reheating so the texture stays soft and melty.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, I slice the bread into portions and wrap them individually in plastic wrap then foil before freezing. When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that crisp crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect—microwaves can make bread chewy or soggy quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe always fills my kitchen with that cozy aroma of fresh bread and garlic, and the cheesy pull-apart goodness never fails to delight everyone at the table. It’s one of those recipes that combines comfort and simplicity perfectly. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how quickly it disappears once it’s out of the oven. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

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