Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe

Let me share with you a truly delightful treat that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen: the Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe. This bread combines the rich, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese with a perfectly soft, fluffy crumb and a golden crust that’s just begging to be torn apart and enjoyed. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and comforting, sophisticated flavor. Trust me, once you bake this bread, you’ll be reaching for it again and again whenever you want to impress friends or cozy up on a chilly afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe are straightforward but essential, each bringing something special to the mix. From the flour that forms the bread’s foundation to the Asiago cheese that gives it its iconic taste, every element plays a crucial role in creating the delicious texture and flavor you’re aiming for.

• Bread flour (divided): The high protein content helps develop gluten for a chewy yet tender crumb.
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet): This leavens the dough, making it rise beautifully and become airy.
• 1½ tsp salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• 1 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
• ½ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the cheese.
• 1 cup milk: Provides moisture and richness for a soft dough.
• 2 tbsp butter: Brings tenderness and a velvety texture to the bread.
• 2¼ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided): The star ingredient, giving this bread its signature sharp, nutty flavor and beautiful golden crust.
• 1 egg (for egg wash): Used to brush the loaves for a glossy, golden finish.
• 2 tbsp water (for egg wash): Lightens the egg wash so it spreads easily and browns perfectly.

How to Make Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by combining 1½ cups of the bread flour with the instant yeast, sugar, salt, and black pepper in your stand mixer bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the yeast gets evenly distributed and the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 2: Warm Milk and Butter

Next, gently warm the milk and butter together until the butter just starts to melt, reaching about 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This warm mixture will help activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients and beat until the mixture is smooth. Then, fold in 1¼ cups of shredded Asiago cheese, dispersing those cheesy pockets throughout the dough—this is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Attach the dough hook to your mixer, and gradually add about 1¾ cups more bread flour as you knead for around 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—this consistency means it’s just right for a tender loaf with a wonderful crumb.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This rise is essential for developing airiness and flavor.

Step 6: Shape Loaves

Punch down the risen dough gently and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each into a loaf and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, preparing for the second rise.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped loaves loosely and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. This final lift adds volume and helps create that irresistible lightness.

Step 8: Bake with an Egg Wash and Cheese Topping

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush it generously over each loaf. Sprinkle the remaining Asiago cheese on top for a beautifully golden and bubbly crust. Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes until they turn golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. This bread is fantastic warm, letting the cheese flavors shine, but it’s just as delightful at room temperature.

How to Serve Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, try sprinkling fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking, or brush with a bit of garlic butter after baking. These garnishes enhance the aromatic qualities and pair beautifully with the nutty Asiago flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside soups such as tomato basil or creamy potato leek, where dipping releases those wonderful cheesy goodness pockets. It also pairs perfectly with hearty salads or as a side to pasta dishes, making your meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Asiago Cheese Bread thickly and use it to make gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches or serve it as a base for bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. Offering it with a variety of flavored butters or olive oil dips can make an impressive appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Asiago Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread moist but still maintains the crust’s slight crunch.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap it in foil and then plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh the bread, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the loaf for 10 to 15 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts any residual cheese inside beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute Asiago cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely! While Asiago gives this bread its signature flavor, you can use Parmesan or sharp cheddar for a different but still delicious taste. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor intensity might vary slightly.

Is this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The recipe is straightforward with simple steps and familiar ingredients, making it a great choice if you’re new to bread baking but want to try something with a bit more flair.

How long does the bread stay fresh after baking?

Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 2 days. After that, it might start to dry out but can be revived with a quick oven warm-up.

Can I use regular milk or dairy alternatives?

Regular milk works best for the texture, but you can use dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk if needed. Just keep the milk warmed to the right temperature to activate the yeast properly.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will require a bit more effort and time, but the result is just as delicious and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and joyful about pulling a warm Asiago Cheese Bread out of the oven—that crispy, cheesy crust paired with a soft, flavorful crumb is simply irresistible. I can’t recommend this Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe enough if you want to bring a slice of homemade goodness into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!

Asiago Cheese Bread Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves 1x

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Description

This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe yields two flavorful loaves featuring a perfectly soft and slightly chewy texture enriched with creamy Asiago cheese. The bread is made by combining dry and wet ingredients, kneading to develop gluten, allowing two rises for a light crumb, and baking to golden perfection with an Asiago cheese topping. Ideal for cheese lovers, it serves as a delicious accompaniment to meals or as a satisfying snack on its own.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1½ cups bread flour (plus additional flour for kneading, about 1¾ cups)
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter

Mix-ins and Toppings:

• 2¼ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided use: 1¼ cups for the dough and 1 cup for topping)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp water (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1½ cups of bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the yeast and seasoning.
2. Warm Milk & Butter: Heat the milk and butter together in a saucepan or microwave-safe cup until the mixture reaches 120–130ºF. This temperature is ideal to activate the yeast while not killing it. The butter should just start to melt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients in the stand mixer bowl. Beat the mixture until a smooth batter forms. Then, mix in 1¼ cups of shredded Asiago cheese thoroughly to evenly incorporate the cheese into the dough.
4. Knead the Dough: Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and gradually add about 1¾ cups more bread flour while mixing. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly sticky to the touch, indicating proper gluten development.
5. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a loaf and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, prepping for the second rise.
7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaves loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. This final proofing ensures a light and airy texture in the baked bread.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. While the oven heats, mix the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the loaves with this egg wash for a glossy crust, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the loaves turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 190ºF.
9. Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Ensure the milk and butter mixture is between 120–130ºF to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Do not add all the flour at once during kneading; adding it gradually helps achieve the right dough consistency.
• Let the dough rise in a warm draft-free environment to encourage good fermentation.
• The egg wash not only helps the cheese adhere to the crust but also gives the bread a beautiful golden color.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and reheat briefly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American