Pepper Jack Cheese Bread

Submitted by carolinafan

"Savory bread great with soups or lightly toasted to make croutons."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 20mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 2 loaves

ingredients

• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups warm water (105* to 115*)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1⁄2 - 5 1⁄2 cups bread flour
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack pepper cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons shredded monterey jack pepper cheese, divided
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in 2 cups warm water; let stand for 5 minutes. Add olive oil and salt.
2. With an electric mixer, gradually beat in 3 cups flour, beating until smooth.
3. Beat in cheddar cheese and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese with peppers. Gradually beat in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead dough for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85*), free from drafts, for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Lightly grease 2 (9x5-inch) loaf pans; set aside.
7. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Shape into 10-inch loaves and place in prepared pans.
8. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat oven to 350*.
10. Gently brush each loaf with egg white and sprinkle well with remaining 2 tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese with peppers.
11. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and place on wire racks.
13. Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing.