Foolproof cheese bread

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Warm Water (lukewarm (~110°F))
• 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (one packet)
• 3.25 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table)
• 1 clove Roasted Garlic (optional, can use garlic powder)
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese (any meltable cheese, e.g., cheddar, mozzarella)
• 6 slices Cooked Bacon (crispy, crumbled)
• 1 tablespoon Butter (softened, for brushing)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast

   In a mixing bowl combine the warm water and yeast, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

   Time: PT5M

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   Add the sifted flour, salt, and roasted garlic (or garlic powder) to the bowl and stir until just combined.

   Time: PT5M

3. Add Cheese

   Fold in the shredded cheese, using your hands to distribute it evenly throughout the dough.

   Time: PT5M

4. Add Bacon

   Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over the dough and gently mix to incorporate.

   Time: PT2M

5. First Rise

   Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

   Time: PT1H30M

6. Preheat Oven

   Place the Dutch oven inside the oven and preheat to 450°F for about 15 minutes so the pot is scorching hot.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 450°F

7. Bake Bread

   Lay a sheet of parchment on a board, turn the risen dough onto it, then carefully lift the parchment and place the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 450°F.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 450°F

8. Add Butter

   Remove the lid, brush the top of the loaf with softened butter, and let the bread rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

378

Protein

17g

Carbohydrates

52g

Fat

11g

Fiber

2g