Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish, look no further than Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake. This savory casserole combines chunks of hearty bread with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that bakes to golden perfection. The result is a delicious, cheesy bake that’s perfect as a side dish or even as a main course on a cozy night in.

Whether you’re looking for a decadent dish to complement a holiday meal or a simple, satisfying comfort food for a weeknight dinner, this bake offers the best of both worlds. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavors that everyone will love. Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake is the ultimate indulgence when you’re in the mood for something cheesy, warm, and satisfying.

Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake is a cheesy casserole made with chunks of bread soaked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a savory dish that’s rich, indulgent, and the perfect side to serve with any meal, or as the star of your next comfort food dinner. The blend of creamy cheese, tender bread, and savory spices creates a flavor-packed dish that’s hard to resist.

This easy-to-make bake is a great way to use up leftover bread and turn it into something decadent and satisfying. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a main course, Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Exciting Story:

I first made Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake when I had some leftover sourdough bread sitting on my counter. I didn’t want to waste it, so I decided to turn it into something indulgent. I’ve always loved cheesy casseroles, and the idea of turning bread into a creamy, cheesy dish sounded like the perfect way to use up what I had while treating myself to something special. After some experimenting, I came up with this recipe, and it quickly became a favorite in my house.

The first time I served it, everyone was amazed by how comforting and delicious it was. The combination of the rich cheese sauce and the bread that soaked it up created the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Since then, Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake has become one of my go-to comfort food recipes. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

Why This Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake:

• Comforting and Hearty: This dish combines the satisfying texture of bread with a rich, cheesy sauce that makes each bite feel indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this bake comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
• Perfect for Leftover Bread: This dish is a great way to use up any leftover bread, turning it into a warm, comforting casserole.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this bake by adding herbs, spices, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
• Great for Any Meal: Whether served as a side dish or as the main course, Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

What You Need For Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake:

For the bake:

• 6 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale, such as sourdough, French bread, or whole wheat)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for greasing)
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley), for garnish (optional)

How to Make Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the bread:
   Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the cubes are evenly distributed.
3. Make the cheese sauce:
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheese, making sure it’s well combined.
4. Assemble the bake:
   Pour the cheese sauce over the cubed bread in the baking dish, making sure the bread is evenly coated. Press the bread down gently so that it absorbs the sauce.
5. Bake the casserole:
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve:
   Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake:

• Use day-old bread: For best results, use bread that’s a day or two old. This helps the bread absorb the creamy sauce better without becoming too soggy.
• Customize the cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese depending on your preference, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan.
• Add vegetables or meat: You can add sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or onions, or even cooked sausage or bacon to make this dish heartier.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
• Non-dairy: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Vegan version: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free cheese and cream for a fully vegan version.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Low-fat: Use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce the calorie content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
• Add more veggies: For a healthier option, add more vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the fiber content and add extra nutrients.

Closing for Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake:

And there you have it! Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory cheese, soft bread, and rich creaminess into one satisfying dish. Whether served as a side or a main course, this bake is perfect for cozy nights at home or special gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite cheese, herbs, and add-ins, making it your own special creation. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

Frequently Asked Questions For Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake:

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
   Yes, you can use fresh bread, but day-old bread absorbs the creamy sauce better and helps create a better texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, this bake freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
4. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for the dairy milk and use a dairy-free cream alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
5. Can I add meat to this dish?
   Yes, cooked sausage, bacon, or even rotisserie chicken would make a great addition to the dish for extra protein.
6. What is the best type of bread to use?
   Sourdough, French bread, or whole wheat bread work great in this recipe. You can also use a crusty baguette for a firmer texture.
7. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp cheddar.
9. How can I make this bake even creamier?
   For a creamier texture, add more heavy cream or use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for extra richness.
10. Can I make this dish without the cheese on top?
    Yes, you can skip the cheese topping, but it adds a nice golden, crispy layer to the dish. You could substitute with breadcrumbs for a different texture.
11. Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
    Yes, you can use a flax egg or chia egg for a vegan version or if you have an egg allergy.
12. Can I add herbs to the bread bake?
    Yes, adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the bread before baking will infuse additional flavor into the dish.
13. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
14. Can I serve this dish as a main course?
    Yes, this dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially when paired with a light salad.
15. Can I make this dish spicier?
    Absolutely! Add some hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

---

Creamy Cheese and Bread Bake is the ultimate cheesy, comforting casserole that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it’s perfect for any meal! Enjoy!