Quick Cheese Bread

from Mels

Notes: This was simple to throw together. I used mild cheddar as that is what I had on hand, I think sharp would taste best, but next time I might throw in some parmesan into the dough if I have to use mild again. I agree that the texture improves as it cools. Great initially, but better if left to cool. I think it would be great as a sandwich with scrambled eggs and bacon in the middle. Tried doing it with bacon and apple and mustard, or bacon and tomato as a panini, also yummy.Have to let it cool a little to firm up a bit again though.

Prin

Note: If the toothpick comes out with what looks like uncooked batter after testing the bread for doneness, try again in a different spot since the toothpick may have hit a pocket of cheese the first time. You definitely don’t want to overbake the bread or it will be dry. According to the original recipe, the texture of the bread improves as it cools, so if you can, resist the urge to slice the bread while it is still very hot. I can attest that this leftover cheese bread makes excellent toast. Use a toaster oven or baking sheet in a 425-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes (a conventional toaster can be messy because the pockets of cheese will melt and burn).

INGREDIENTS

• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded on large holes of box grater (about 1 cup)
• 3 cups (15 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-5 ounces sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk (2% milk may be substituted but don’t use skim milk)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position in the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 5 by 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly in bottom of pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to combine. Using a rubber spatula, mix in cheddar cheese cubes, breaking up clumps, until cheese is coated with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and sour cream. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined (the batter will be heavy and thick). Do not overmix. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan; spread to sides of pan and level surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over surface.
3. Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; invert loaf from pan and continue to cool until warm, about 45 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.