Crusty Cheese Bread

My family loves this cheesy bread--especially the variation with the extra cheese. It is the cheesiest!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1  package active dry yeast
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1  cup cottage cheese
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1  egg
• 2 1⁄4 cups flour

Directions

1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water.
2. Let stand 5 minutes.
3. Stir gently to moisten.
4. With mixer, blend softened yeast with cottage cheese, sugar, salt and egg.
5. Add flour in 1/2 cup portions to form stiff dough.
6. Beat well by hand after each addition.
7. Cover dough and let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour).
8. Butter a 1 1/2 quart casserole.
9. Stir down dough and transfer to buttered casserole.
10. Let rise another 30 to 40 minutes until almost double.
11. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
12. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Brush crust with butter and serve.
14. Variations: Add 1 tablespoon grated onion and 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds before adding flour.
15. Mix in 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese when stirring down dough.