Artisan Cheddar Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bread flour (or substitute all-purpose flour)

• 2 tsp instant yeast

• 2 tsp salt

• 1.5 cups warm water

• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese (I like extra sharp)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms.

2. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Shape the Dough: Dust your countertop with flour. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently fold it over itself a few times to form a ball, working in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the dough ball on a sheet of parchment paper and slice a line in the top of the dough ball with a sharp knife or bread lame.

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your Dutch oven (with its lid) inside the oven while it preheats.

5. Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it into the Dutch oven. Add the remaining half of the cheddar cheese over the top of the loaf. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Cool: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your fresh, crusty artisan bread!