Description

This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe combines a soft, homemade bread with the savory richness of shredded Asiago cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden crust and enhanced with a buttery finish, this artisan loaf is ideal for sandwiches or enjoyed warm alongside your favorite soups. The bread features a tender crumb with a subtle, cheesy flavor that makes it an irresistible treat for any cheese lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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 teaspoon sugar

Cheese and Finishing

1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided)
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Asiago cheese thoroughly.
Add Remaining Flour and Knead: Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough develops. Knead the dough either by hand or using a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic in texture.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until slightly puffed.
Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Asiago cheese over the top of the loaf and make a few shallow slashes on the surface with a sharp knife.
Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Finish and Cool: Optionally brush the warm loaf with melted butter to create a softer crust. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use aged Asiago cheese for a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
To add flavor variations, incorporate herbs like rosemary or garlic powder into the dough during mixing.
This bread is excellent for making sandwiches or serving warm alongside soups.