Are you craving warm, cheesy bread but short on time? This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe, perfectly crafted for your bread machine, is the answer! Forget complicated kneading and proofing; this recipe delivers a wonderfully flavorful and textured loaf with minimal effort. It's the perfect addition to any meal, a fantastic snack, or a delightful treat to share with friends and family. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and makes a delicious, healthy meal addition. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its simplest and most satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated Asiago cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Bread Machine:
Grease your bread machine's pan lightly with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the finished loaf.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients:
Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to your bread machine pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. You'll see the mixture become foamy – this is a good sign! Next, add the olive oil, flour, salt, and grated Asiago cheese.
Step 3: Setting the Bread Machine:
Select the “dough” or “basic” setting on your bread machine. If your machine has a setting for "cheese bread," even better! Let the machine do its magic and knead the dough for the specified time.
Step 4: The First Rise:
Once the kneading cycle is complete, the dough will undergo its first rise inside the machine. This usually takes about an hour, depending on your machine and the ambient temperature.
Step 5: Shaping and Second Rise:
After the first rise, carefully remove the dough from the bread machine. Gently shape it into a loaf and place it back into the greased pan. Select the "bake" setting on your machine. The second rise will happen during the initial baking stage.
Step 6: Baking:
Allow the bread machine to bake the loaf according to the selected setting. The baking time usually ranges between 50-60 minutes, but always refer to your machine's instructions.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving:
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the Asiago cheese bread from the bread machine and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite soup, pasta, or simply on its own! Sprinkling extra Asiago cheese on top while it's still warm is highly recommended.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for optimal results. If the yeast doesn't foam after 5 minutes, it may be inactive, and you should use a fresh batch.
- Flour Adjustment: Depending on the humidity and flour type, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of flour during the kneading process if the dough seems too sticky.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Parmesan, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious additions.
- Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garlic Lover's Twist: Include a clove or two of minced garlic for a savory kick.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on slice size and added cheese) Fat: 5-8g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This Asiago Cheese Bread recipe is a simple, quick dinner idea, perfect for healthy meals and easy recipes. It’s a delightful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!