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Rustic Artisan Cheese Bread

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A quick and easy rustic artisan cheese bread with a golden crust and gooey cheese pockets, perfect for potlucks and cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese blend (sharp cheddar and mozzarella recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning or rosemary)

Instructions

  1. Combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dried herbs in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to distribute evenly. (5 minutes)
  2. Add 1 1/2 cups warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. (3 minutes)
  3. Gently fold in 2 cups shredded cheese, distributing evenly without overmixing. (2 minutes)
  4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size and bubbly. (60-90 minutes)
  5. Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Fold edges into the center a few times to form a rough round shape. Place seam-side down on parchment paper. (10 minutes)
  6. Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rest for 30-45 minutes until puffed but not doubled. (30-45 minutes)
  7. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack. Heat stone for at least 30 minutes if using. (30 minutes)
  8. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or bread lame with a few shallow slashes. (5 minutes)
  9. Slide the parchment paper with dough onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. (25-30 minutes)
  10. Transfer bread to a wire rack and cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing. (60 minutes)

Notes

If cheese leaks during baking, chill dough for 15 minutes before second rise. Avoid adding too much flour to keep dough sticky for open crumb. Use an oven thermometer to avoid burning crust. Cool bread completely before slicing to prevent gummy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: artisan bread, cheese bread, rustic bread, potluck recipe, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, cheddar mozzarella bread

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/rustic-artisan-cheese-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-potluck-favorite/