Easy Homemade Cheese Bread (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups water 110°F to 115°F (43°C to 46°C)
02 - 2¼ teaspoon instant yeast (1 packet)
03 - 3½ cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
05 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, at room temperature

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, mix the warm water with the yeast. Set aside.
02 - In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt and cheese until well combined. Dump the flour mixture into the large bowl with water and yeast. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the dough until everything is well combined.
03 - Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside to rise for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
04 - Generously oil your skillet, including the sides. Use a spatula to loosen the dough from the sides of the bowl and transfer the dough to the skillet. Use the spatula to even out the dough so that it fills the skillet.
05 - Cover the skillet with a kitchen towel, and set it aside to rise for another 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the bread for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
07 - Let the bread cool in the skillet for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the skillet and allow it to cool fully on a cutting board before slicing.

# Notes:

01 - A 10" cast iron skillet was used for this recipe. If you use a smaller size, the loaf will end up taller. If you use a bigger size, the loaf will end up thinner
02 - You can make this bread without cheese for a plain loaf, or add other ingredients like spices, garlic, onion, hot peppers, or dried fruit
03 - Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it's still active
04 - To check if bread is done, tap the bottom - if it sounds hollow, it's ready. Internal temperature should be around 200°F