This Cheddar Cheese Bread is a delicious and comforting homemade bread, perfect for any occasion. With a soft, buttery interior and the rich flavor of cheddar cheese, it pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or simply with butter and jam.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 420 grams flour (approximately 2 2/3 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- 300 milliliters water (about 1 1/5 cups)
- 100 grams cheddar cheese, grated
- 100 grams butter (roughly 1/3 cup), softened
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Butter:
- Gradually work the softened butter into the dough, kneading continuously until the butter is thoroughly incorporated.
- Add the grated cheddar cheese to the dough and continue to knead until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for individual rolls.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let rise again until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Once preheated, place the dough in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with jams, spreads, or simply a dab of butter.
- It also makes an excellent side for soups and salads, adding a comforting, cheesy touch to any meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle some additional grated cheddar on top before baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
- Homemade Bread: Free from preservatives and artificial additives.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- The bread can be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s easy to make and perfect for cheese lovers.
- The bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
- Both the buttery dough and cheddar cheese make it incredibly flavorful.
Conclusion:
This Cheddar Cheese Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, with its rich, cheesy flavor and soft, buttery texture. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious bread with your loved ones!