Yeast Breads: Cheese Surprise Bread

When you slice open this bread, you'll find a delightfully cheesy center.


Ingredients


For the Bread
1¼ tsp bread machine or quick rise yeast.
3 cups all purpose flour
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
½ cup milk
½ cup water
3 tbsp butter or margarine
1 egg


For the Filling
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
4 tbsp butter or margarine, melted


For the Topping
1 tbsp sesame seeds


Preparation


Combine all bread ingredients in a large bowl and stir until a loose dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until soft and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl and cover. Allow to rise in a warm location until doubled in size, about 1 hour.


Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients in a small bowl and toss gently. Set aside.


Punch down dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Spray a bread pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place one portion of the dough into the pan and press it down until it fills the bottom of the pan. Arrange the filling on top of the dough, placing it in a line down the center. Keep is away from the edges of the pan, if you can.


Top with the other potion of dough. Press it into place to, hopefully, keep the filling where it's supposed to be. Set the entire loaf aside to rise. It should double in size, which will probably take 45 minutes.


Heat oven to 375°F. Top loaf with sesame seeds. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until loaf is golden brown on top. Allow bread to cool 20 minutes before slicing or the cheese will run out.


When you do slice the loaf, the cheese will be revealed. this loaf makes a wonderful toast, or is great simply on its own fresh from the oven.