Soft Cheese Bread 🧀🍞

Indulge in a warm, fluffy loaf of Soft Cheese Bread that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or snacking! This recipe combines the creamy richness of soft cheese with a soft, tender crumb, making it incredibly delightful. Add some herbs or spices for an extra kick, or enjoy it plain with a spread of your favorite butter or jam.

Ingredients

For the bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup soft cheese (like cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted butter)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

Optional Add-ins

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or chives)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all the dry ingredients.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the soft cheese, milk, olive oil, and egg until smooth and creamy.

🥄 Make sure the soft cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. This will help create a smooth batter without lumps!

4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are perfectly fine.

5. If using, fold in the chopped herbs, shredded cheese, and any additional spices or flavorings you desire.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

🌟 For an extra touch, brush the top with melted butter or olive oil just after baking for a glossy finish!

Variations

• Herb & Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory twist. Perfect for garlic bread lovers! 🧄
• Cheesy Jalapeño: Mix in 1/4 cup diced jalapeños and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy kick!
• Sweet Variation: Substitute sugar with honey, and add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet breakfast option. 🍯🍇
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Note that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Serve your Soft Cheese Bread warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness! 🥰