Crusty Cheddar Bread
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Crusty Cheddar Bread, a homemade masterpiece that combines bakery-style artisan bread with the irresistible flavor of sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe features a perfectly crispy crust and a soft, cheesy interior, thanks to the generous two cups of shredded cheddar folded right into the dough. Baked in a preheated Dutch oven for that signature golden crust, this bread is elevated with an optional topping of extra cheddar for gooey goodness. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, or as a crowd-pleasing side, this loaf comes together with minimal prep and simple pantry staples. Perfectly chewy, flavorful, and satisfying, this Crusty Cheddar Bread will instantly become a favorite at your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for greasing)
- 0.5 cups Extra shredded cheddar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix until evenly distributed.
Pour the warm water into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the mixture forms a shaggy, sticky dough.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and melted butter to the dough, folding it in gently until fully incorporated.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat up for at least 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it into a round loaf. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven (using oven mitts) and place the dough inside.
Optional: Sprinkle the extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the loaf for an extra cheesy crust.
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown with a crispy crust.
Carefully remove the loaf from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2798 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 130.4 g | 167% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.1 g | 385% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 362 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 5350 mg | 233% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.2 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.3 g | ||
| Protein | 110.4 g | 221% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 2058 mg | 158% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 751 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
