Asiago Cheese Bread

Ingredients
Makes 2 large loaves

• 3 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (120º F to 130º F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups diced Asiago cheese

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and yeast well.
2. Add the warm water to the flour mixture and beat with a wire whisk until well blended.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and let stand for 1 hour or until bubbly.
4. Stir in the oil, thyme leaves, and salt with a spatula.
5. In a stand mixer with a dough hook attached, stir in the remaining 2 cups flour slowly and mix with the dough mixture on low speed for about 3 minutes.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap for about 15 minutes.
7. Mix the dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
8. Add in 1 cup cheese and mix on low speed for about 2 minutes until the cheese is well blended.
9. Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
10. On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into 2 equal pieces.
11. Gently shape each dough into oval-shaped loaf by stretching sides of the dough downward to make a smooth top.
12. Place the loaves on a parchment paper lined pan. Coat the loaves generously with flour.
13. Cover loosely with towel. Let the loaves sit at room temperature for final proof for about 45 minutes.
14. About 45 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 450º F.
15. Prepare an empty broiler pan on the bottom oven rack.
16. Spray the loaves lightly with water; sprinkle with a small amount flour and score each loaf with a serrated knife.
17. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheese into the score.
18. Slide the loaves directly onto the hot stone, and quickly pour 1 cup hot water into an empty broiler pan.
19. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 400º F.
20. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
21. Allow to cool before slicing or serving.

Always craving for Panera Breads? This zesty Asiago cheese bread is quite easy to make at home. Today's lunch menu is 2 big slices of Asiago cheese breads, salad, and pumpkin soup. Yummy!