Description
This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe yields a deliciously savory, artisan loaf perfect for sandwiches or serving warm alongside soups. Made with a combination of bread flour, active dry yeast, and shredded Asiago cheese, this homemade bread boasts a golden crust topped with melted Asiago cheese and an irresistibly tender crumb inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then incorporate 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook attachment for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic, which ensures good gluten development for structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf and allow it to rise again for 30–40 minutes to let the dough relax and become airy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking.
- Add Cheese Topping and Score: Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Asiago cheese evenly on top of the loaf. Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes on the bread’s surface for controlled expansion during baking.
- Bake Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Optional Butter Brush and Cool: For a softer crust, brush the hot loaf with melted butter right out of the oven. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.
Notes
- For a stronger, more complex flavor, use aged Asiago cheese.
- Enhance the bread by adding herbs such as rosemary or spices like garlic powder to the dough.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with sandwiches or served warm as an accompaniment to soups.
