Fluffy Potato Cheese Bread Recipe: A Golden Homemade Delight

Crafting a delectable potato cheese bread sparks joy in my kitchen every single time.

Warm, pillowy slices emerge from the oven with irresistible golden edges.

Melted cheese creates pockets of creamy goodness throughout each hearty bite.

Russet potatoes blend seamlessly with sharp cheddar, creating a rich and comforting texture.

Regional bakers have long celebrated this humble yet magnificent combination of ingredients.

Each slice promises a nostalgic comfort that connects you to generations of home cooking.

You’ll want to slice into this bread while it’s still steaming and savor every delicious moment.

What Makes Potato Cheese Bread So Satisfying

• Boost Comfort: Indulge in a warm, cheesy bread that wraps you in delicious comfort, perfect for satisfying hunger and craving something homemade.
• Quick Prep Magic: Combine simple ingredients in one bowl, knead briefly, and enjoy a scrumptious bread without complicated techniques or professional baking skills.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with melted cheddar and soft potato, this bread appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal side dish or snack for family gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or alongside soups and salads, bringing extra flavor to any meal with its rich, cheesy profile.

Must-Have Ingredients for Potato Cheese Bread Magic

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bread.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the bread rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.

• Mashed Potatoes: Adds moisture, softness, and a subtle potato flavor to the bread.
• Milk: Provides liquid for the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
• Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps keep the bread soft.
• Egg: Contributes to the bread's structure and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy flavor and creates delicious cheesy pockets throughout the bread.

How to Bake Potato Cheese Bread Like a Pro

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar into warm milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Create a cozy nest in the center of the dry ingredients for the wet mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes
• Melted butter
• Egg

Step 4: Create the Dough

Pour the yeast mixture and wet ingredients into the flour nest.

Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese into the risen dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Bread

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased bread pan.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Potato Cheese Bread Every Time

• Ensure warm milk is between 100-110°F to help yeast bloom correctly without killing its active cultures.
• Use a ricer or potato masher to create lump-free mashed potatoes, guaranteeing a uniform texture in your bread.
• Develop gluten by kneading dough for 8-10 minutes, creating a soft and stretchy bread with excellent cheese distribution.
• Toss shredded cheese in a bit of flour before mixing to help it stay evenly suspended throughout the bread instead of settling at the bottom.
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size, ensuring a light and airy bread texture.

Creative Spins on Potato Cheese Bread to Try

• Gluten-Free Potato Cheese Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Bread: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or basil to enhance the savory flavor profile and create a more aromatic loaf.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cheese Bread: Substitute mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Vegan Potato Cheese Alternative: Use plant-based cheese, replace egg with flax egg, and swap milk with unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free adaptation.

What Goes Best with Potato Cheese Bread Every Time

Pair this cheesy potato bread with a velvety tomato soup for a comforting, heartwarming combination that brings out the rich, tangy flavors of both dishes.

Choose a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the bread’s richness and enhance its cheesy, buttery notes with a refreshing acidity.

Create a garlic and herb compound butter to spread on warm slices, adding an extra layer of aromatic complexity that highlights the bread’s cheesy potato goodness.

Serve alongside a mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a fresh, light contrast to the bread’s dense and cheesy texture.

How to Keep Potato Cheese Bread Fresh and Soft

• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Cut the bread into slices or leave whole, place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its soft texture and cheesy flavor.
• Warm individual slices in a toaster or toaster oven for crispy edges. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and soft.
• Remove from freezer, let thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

FAQs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just prepare them according to package instructions and let them cool before mixing into the dough.

• Is it possible to make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. It might take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as delicious.

• How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190-200°F is also a good indicator of doneness.

• Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?

Definitely! Gouda, mozzarella, or parmesan work great. Each cheese will give the bread a unique flavor profile.

Potato Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rustic potato cheese bread delivers a hearty slice of comfort straight from European kitchens. Warm, golden-crusted perfection melts with rich cheese, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (cooled)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with sugar, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and egg, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Gradually fold the activated yeast mixture into the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution and creating a cohesive base.
4. Incorporate the flour and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness.
6. Gently fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the dough, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
8. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf or round shape.
9. Position the shaped dough on a baking sheet, cover, and allow a second rise for 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Remove from oven, let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Boost rising power by ensuring yeast activates in warm milk with sugar, creating a perfect environment for soft, fluffy bread.
• Incorporate mashed potatoes at room temperature to maintain smooth dough consistency and prevent lumpy texture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix and add xanthan gum for better binding and texture.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyère or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the bread’s rich, cheesy character.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg