Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 8-10 slices
Why You’ll Love It
I adore this Spicy Country Cheese Bread for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a freshly baked loaf in no time.
- Spicy Kick: The addition of red pepper flakes gives it a delightful spicy flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spiciness and the type of cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and red pepper flakes. Whisk well to mix.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add warm water, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Fold in the cheddar cheese cubes into the dough.
Step 5: Let it Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a round or oblong loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- With Soup: This bread is perfect with a warm bowl of tomato soup or chili.
- As a Side: Serve it alongside grilled meats or salads for a satisfying meal.
- For Parties: It’s a great appetizer or snack for gatherings.
Tips for Customization
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for unique flavors.
- Herbs: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this bread without yeast?
A: While yeast helps the bread rise, you can make a quick bread version using baking powder. However, the texture will be slightly different.
Q: How do I store leftover bread?
A: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid content and add xanthan gum to help with texture.Enjoy your delicious homemade Spicy Country Cheese Bread!
