Golden Sourdough Cheese Bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the savory goodness of melted cheese, creating a perfectly baked loaf that’s golden on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. It’s an indulgent treat perfect for any bread lover.
Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make your own Golden Sourdough Cheese Bread:
Golden Sourdough Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- For the Sourdough Starter (if you don’t already have one):
- 1/2 cup (120g) warm water
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sourdough starter (if you have it; if not, you can make one in a few days)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (to feed the yeast)
- For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups (360g) active sourdough starter (or use 1/2 cup of your own starter)
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softer texture)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) or garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sourdough Starter (if you’re starting from scratch):
- Mix the warm water, flour, honey, and sourdough starter (or a pinch of active dry yeast if you’re in a rush) in a bowl. Stir well, cover with a cloth, and let it sit at room temperature for about 12-24 hours.
- Once bubbly and active, it’s ready to use for the bread.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine your sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil (if using).
- Slowly add the flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add half of the cheese into the dough mixture, mixing well. You can also add herbs or garlic powder at this stage if you’d like extra flavor.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you have time, you can also perform a slow rise in the fridge overnight for better flavor development.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Then shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
- Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a Dutch oven for a more rustic crust.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it’s puffed up and ready to bake.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
8. Bake the Bread:
- Before baking, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the loaf for that gooey, golden crust.
- If using a Dutch oven, place the dough into the preheated pot and cover. If using a baking sheet, just bake as is.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to avoid the cheese from spilling out too much.
- Serve warm with butter or as a side to soups, salads, or sandwiches.
Tips:
- Cheese: You can mix different cheeses for variety. Gruyère and cheddar work wonderfully for their melt and flavor. Parmesan or mozzarella can be mixed in for texture.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano complement the cheese flavor nicely.
- Texture: For a crispier crust, you can add a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
This Golden Sourdough Cheese Bread will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma and give you a delicious, warm loaf perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the chewy texture and cheesy goodness!