Wondering how do you make cheese bread that perfectly combines these basic foods

I think it?s a safe bet that a survey of Americans young and old would find that our favorite sandwich is grilled cheese ? with or without a steaming cup of tomato soup. Cheese and bread just seem to be made for each other, especially if the bread has plenty of little nooks and crannies for the melted cheese to puddle in.

If you?re busy like me, you don?t always have the time to grill a cheese sandwich. That?s why there?s cheese bread ? cheesy, crusty and just as good when all you have time to do is slice off a hunk.

If you?re wondering how do you make cheese bread, follow me though this simple recipe.

Make sure you have the following ingredients before you get started: 2 packets of active dry yeast, 2 cups of milk, sugar, butter, salt, all-purpose flour and gourmet cheddar cheese.

You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer, a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish and some waxed paper.

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Heat the 2 cups of milk in a pan or microwave to a warm temperature. Pour the milk into the large mixing bowl, then dissolve the 2 packets (1/4 ounce each) of dry active yeast in the milk. Let it sit and proof for five minutes until the yeast forms a foamy froth. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add it to the yeast, along with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir all of these ingredients gently until dissolved.

Measure 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and add to the liquid ingredients in the mixing bowl.

Using an electric mixer, beat the flour and the liquid until combined and smooth. Cut 6 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese into small 1/4 inch chunks and add them to the mixture. With the mixer on low or with a spoon, mix the cheese chunks into the flour mixture until evenly distributed. Using butter, oil, shortening or cooking spray, grease the 1 1/2 quart casserole dish thoroughly. Pour the contents of the mixing bowl into the casserole, cover it loosely with a sheet of waxed paper and let it sit at room temperature until the dough doubles in volume, which will take about an hour.

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Remove the wax paper and place the casserole on the middle shelf in the middle of the oven. Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. When done, remove the casserole from the oven, place in on a rack and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

Once the cheese bread is cool, remove it carefully from the casserole, then slice off a big chunk and enjoy!

For a little more flavor, you can add a tablespoon of onion or garlic flakes when you add the cheese. For color, try adding some chopped black olives and chopped pimentos (drain the liquid from the jars before adding).

No matter what you add or how you slice it, cheese bread is always a tasty treat.