ABM Cheese Bread

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Yesterday I posted a recipe for tasty Italian soup. Today I am going to give you a recipe for something delicious to go with that soup, cheese bread. This bread is fabulous, and incredibly easy to make, thanks to the automatic bread machine. It’s delicious when warm, wonderful at room temperature, and absolutely superb when toasted to enjoy at breakfast the next day. It also makes a mean BLT.

ABM Cheese Bread
Adapted from Red Star Yeast

Bread:
1/2 c. buttermilk, warmed to 110° F
1/3 c. water, warmed up to about 110° F
5 T. unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg, room temperature
3 c. bread flour
1 t. salt
¾ t. garlic powder
2 T. granulated sugar
1 packet (2¼ t.) yeast

Filling:
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:
2 T. unsalted butter, melted
2 T. chopped fresh parsley (or your favorite herb)
¼ t. garlic powder
10 cheese cubes, your choice of cheese

Place bread ingredients, in the order listed, into the bowl of the bread machine. Put the machine on the “dough” setting and press “start.” When the cycle has run its course, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Punch down. Roll the dough into a 9“ x 15“ rectangle. Sprinkle cheese all over the top, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Tightly (and I am talking TIGHTLY) roll the dough into a 15-inch log. Place the log seam side down on the work surface. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log in half lengthwise. Crisscross 1/2, cut side down on top of the other half, forming an “X.“ Tightly twist the two together. Pinch the outer edges to seal. Place in a greased loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with Pam. Allow the covered loaf to rest for 30 minutes. It will rise slightly.

Place the oven rack in the bottom third of your oven and preheat to 350° F. Whisk the melted butter, herbs, and garlic powder together, and drizzle over the top of the dough. Shove cheese cubes into various splits on the surface of the loaf. Bake until golden brown, about 45 to 55 minutes. If it begins browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove from pan and cool completely before slicing and serving.