Cheese Bubble Loaf

This is a great cheesy bread that's fun to take to a potluck or serve as part of a buffet. This is originally from a January 1987 issue of Bon Appetit in the "Cooking for Friends" section.Rising time is not included in prep time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 2 (1/4ounce) envelopes dry yeast
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1⁄2-5  cups all-purpose flour
• 2  eggs
• 2  cups  shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1  egg yolk, beaten with 1 t. water (glaze)
• 1  tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Scald milk in small saucepan.
2. Pour into large bowl and cool to 105 to 115 degrees.
3. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over milk; stir to dissolve.
4. Let stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in melted butter and salt.
6. Using electric mixer, add 2 cups flour to yeast mixture and beat until smooth.
7. Add 2 eggs and cheese and beat until thoroughly combined.
8. Add 2 cups flour and beat until dough is soft.
9. Using wooden spoon, mix in enough additional flour to make a slightly firmer but manageable dough.
10. Turn out onto floured surface and cover with towel; let rest 10 minutes.
11. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if sticky.
12. Butter large bowl, add dough and turn to coat entire surface.
13. Cover bowl and let rise in warm,draft-free area until doubled, about 45 minutes.
14. Grease large baking sheet.
15. Punch dough down and turn onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth.
16. Roll into a log and cut into 20 pieces; shape each piece into smooth ball.
17. Place 1 dough ball in center of prepared sheet and then surround with remaining dough balls in concentric circles, with sides touching, forming 1 large circle.
18. Cover; let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
19. Preheat oven to 350°F.
20. Brush top of loaf with glaze; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
21. Bake until loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, about 30 minutes.
22. Cool on rack.