Description
Hearty bacon cheese bread brings rustic comfort to your kitchen, delivering savory warmth with each slice. Homemade goodness mingles crispy bacon bits and melted cheese, inviting you to savor a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup warm water
Cheese Components:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Bacon and Fat Elements:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup bacon fat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar, creating a foundational dry mixture for the bread.
- Incorporate the activated yeast into the dry ingredients, forming a cohesive dough that begins to pull away from the bowl’s edges.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing its robust texture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring complete coverage, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked, then crumble into small, textured pieces.
- Punch down the risen dough and gradually fold in crumbled bacon, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer the enriched dough into a greased loaf pan, using bacon fat for an extra layer of flavor.
- Allow the dough to undergo a second rise for 30-45 minutes, becoming puffy and voluminous.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and brush the loaf’s surface with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the bread achieves a deep amber color and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to maintain its structural integrity.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent dough development.
- Toast bacon before adding to bread for deeper, more concentrated flavor and less moisture in the final loaf.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or gouda for unique taste profiles and texture variations.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg