Easy Cheesy Bread
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A rustic loaf with a crispy, golden crust and a chewy interior dotted with melted cheesy goodness. It's easy enough for beginners, and experienced bakers will love its simplicity.
Author:
Recipe type: Bread/Yeast Bread
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tsp active-dry yeast
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 4-5 cups flour
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, cut into tiny cubes
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
  • 2 tbsp cornmeal (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the warm water and whisk in the yeast. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Next, add the sugar, salt, and olive oil to the yeast-water mixture. Mix until combined.
  3. Add the flour, starting with 4 cups. Mix with a fork or with a stand mixer until the dough comes together and no longer sticks to the edges of the bowl. You will most likely need to add the last cup of flour.
  4. Next, with your hands, mix in the cheddar cheese cubes and the grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rise 1½ hours. (You can skip the first rise if you want, and divide the dough and place it on the baking sheet. If you want a chewier bread, don't skip this step.)
  6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or spray it with cooking spray. Sprinkle 2 tbsp cornmeal onto the baking sheet, if desired.
  7. Next, rub your hands with olive oil or dust them with flour and divide the dough into two equal pieces. Form each piece into a simple, rustic ball shape. Be careful not to overwork the dough because the cheese cubes will pop out.
  8. Place the dough balls in opposite corners from one another, 4-5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow to rise for 30-60 minutes or until the dough balls have doubled in size.
  10. Next, preheat the oven to 475 degrees.
  11. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven.
  12. Throw 3-4 ice cubes on the bottom of the oven and quickly close the door.
  13. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
  14. Let the bread cool on a cooling rack. If you leave the bread on the baking sheet, the bottom becomes soft and soggy. I waited until the bread was completely cooled before slicing it, so the interior had time to set. Slicing it right from the oven will not affect the flavor, but as you cut into it, the interior will become smashed and gummy because it's still hot inside.
  15. Enjoy!
Recipe by Real Life Dinner at https://reallifedinner.com/easy-cheesy-bread/