Mastoris Diner Cheese Bread Recipe

Mastoris Diner in Bordentown, New Jersey has been serving legendary food for decades, and nothing on their menu is quite as beloved as their iconic cheese bread.

That golden, pillowy loaf stuffed with melted cheese and topped with sesame seeds has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond the Garden State.

This copycat Mastoris Diner cheese bread recipe brings that same warm, cheesy, bakery-style magic straight to your home kitchen – no reservation required.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or an indulgent snack, this easy cheese bread recipe delivers big on flavor with surprisingly simple steps, whether you use white bread or french bread for a perfectly crispy and cheesy result. One bite and you’ll completely understand the obsession.

What Does It Taste Like?

This homemade cheese bread is soft and fluffy on the inside with a beautifully golden, slightly crisp crust on the outside. Every bite is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, thanks to the generous cheese filling that melts into the dough as it bakes.

The sesame seed topping adds a nutty, toasty finish that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese. It’s warm, comforting, and indulgent – like a homemade dinner roll and a garlic cheese bread recipe had a delicious, golden baby.

Served fresh from the oven, it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one slice.

Mastoris Diner Cheese Bread Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 ml warm milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 400 g all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

And for the Filling & Topping:

• 300 g Suluguni or Mozzarella cheese, grated or torn
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Sesame seeds (for topping)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale
• Wooden spoon or dough hook (stand mixer optional)
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Baking tray or loaf pan
• Pastry brush
• Oven

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 60 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 slices

Mastoris Diner Cheese Bread Recipe Instructions

Step 1 – Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 ml of warm milk, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 1 tbsp of yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until it becomes foamy.

This confirms your yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2 – Make the Dough

Add 2 tbsp of oil, 400 g of flour, and ½ tsp of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.

Then knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky.

Step 3 – Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4 – Shape and Fill

Once risen, punch the dough down gently and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Flatten it out and add your grated or torn Suluguni or Mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.

Shape the dough as desired – a round loaf, a log, or individual rolls all work beautifully.

Step 5 – Brush and Top

Place your shaped dough onto a lined or greased baking tray. Brush the top generously with beaten egg for that classic golden finish.

Sprinkle sesame seeds liberally over the top.

Step 6 – Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

One of the best things about this copycat Mastoris Diner cheese bread recipe is how incredibly versatile it is. Here are seven delicious ways to customize and serve it:

1. Add Roasted Garlic

Mix roasted garlic cloves directly into the dough or spread roasted garlic paste over the cheese filling before shaping. This transforms it into a full-on garlic cheese bread recipe that’s deeply aromatic and rich.

2. Use a Cheese Blend

While Suluguni and Mozzarella are traditional, you can experiment with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a more complex, bold flavor profile.

3. Add Fresh Herbs

Knead chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough for an herby, fragrant twist. Dried Italian seasoning works beautifully too.

4. Make It Spicy

Add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot honey into the cheese filling for a bold, spicy kick that pairs incredibly well with the melted cheese.

5. Serve with Soups and Stews

This easy cheese bread recipe is the perfect dunking companion. Serve it alongside tomato bisque, creamy potato soup, or hearty beef stew for a comforting, complete meal.

6. Pair with a Charcuterie Board

Slice the cheese bread into smaller pieces and serve it as part of a charcuterie or appetizer spread alongside cured meats, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and dipping sauces like marinara or garlic butter.

7. Make Mini Cheese Rolls

Instead of one large loaf, divide the dough into individual portions and shape them into small rolls. These are ideal for dinner parties, holiday tables, or lunchboxes – and they bake in the same amount of time.

Pro Tips for the Best Mastoris Diner Cheese Bread

Follow these tested tips to make sure your homemade cheese bread turns out perfectly every single time:

1. Use Warm – Not Hot – Milk

The milk temperature is critical for yeast activation. It should feel comfortably warm to the touch, around 38–40°C (100–104°F). Milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast, while milk that’s too cold won’t activate it properly. Getting this right is the foundation of a perfect rise.

2. Don’t Skip the Kneading

Proper kneading develops the gluten structure that gives your bread its soft, chewy texture. Knead for a full 8–10 minutes by hand, or about 6 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be smooth and spring back slightly when poked.

3. Give the Dough Enough Rise Time

Don’t rush the 60-minute rise. If your kitchen is cool, the dough may need up to 90 minutes. A good trick is to place the covered bowl in an oven with just the light on – the gentle warmth creates the perfect proofing environment.

4. Grate the Cheese Freshly

Pre-shredded cheese from a bag often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate your Suluguni or Mozzarella fresh right before using it. It melts more evenly and tastes far superior.

5. Don’t Overfill with Cheese

It’s tempting to load the bread with as much cheese as possible, but overfilling can cause the bread to burst open while baking or leave the center underbaked. Stick to the recommended 300 g for the best balance of bread to cheese ratio.

6. Brush Generously with Egg Wash

A thorough egg wash is what gives this bread its signature deep golden, glossy crust. Make sure to coat all exposed surfaces evenly, including the sides. For an even richer finish, you can mix the egg with a teaspoon of milk before brushing.

7. Let It Rest Before Slicing

As tempting as it is to cut into it right away, let the bread rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This allows the melted cheese inside to settle slightly and prevents the interior from becoming gummy when sliced.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 8–10 minutes to restore its fresh-baked texture and melty interior.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Mastoris Diner Cheese Bread Recipe that people often ask.

What kind of cheese does Mastoris Diner use in their cheese bread?

The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but most copycat versions of the Mastoris Diner cheese bread recipe use Mozzarella or Suluguni cheese, both of which deliver that signature stretchy, milky, gooey melt that the original is famous for. A blend of the two works exceptionally well.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in a 1:1 ratio. With instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and add it directly to your flour. Your dough may also rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on it during the proofing stage.

Can I make this cheese bread dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. After kneading, you can place the dough in an airtight container and refrigerate it overnight for a slow, cold rise. The next day, bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes, then shape, fill, and bake as instructed.

Can I freeze this cheese bread?

Yes. Once fully baked and cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

The most common reason is inactive yeast. Always check the expiry date on your yeast and make sure your milk is warm (not hot) before mixing. If the yeast doesn’t foam within 10 minutes during activation, it’s best to start with a fresh batch.

Can I make this recipe without sesame seeds?

Yes, sesame seeds are a topping choice, not a structural ingredient. You can leave them off entirely or substitute with poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or flaky sea salt for a different but equally delicious finish.

Is this the same as a garlic cheese bread recipe?

While this recipe shares similarities with a classic garlic cheese bread recipe – a soft bread base with a melted cheese filling – the Mastoris-style version is more of a stuffed, yeast-risen loaf than a flatbread or baguette-based garlic bread. Adding roasted garlic to the filling bridges the two beautifully.

This copycat Mastoris Diner cheese bread recipe is everything a homemade bread should be – golden, cheesy, soft, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re recreating a beloved dining memory or simply looking for an easy cheese bread recipe to wow your family and friends, this one delivers every single time.

The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it approachable for bakers of all levels. Bake it fresh, serve it warm, and watch it disappear. Once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for a restaurant visit to enjoy it.

You can also follow us on Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious updates and kitchen inspiration. Your feedback and support mean the world to us!