Are you ready to elevate your bread-baking game with a delightful twist? Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, infused with the rich, savory goodness of cheddar cheese. This Easy Cheddar Sourdough Bread recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a simple yet rewarding project that will impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a golden, crusty loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to make your own delicious sourdough bread at home!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the flour mixture and stir until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup of sourdough starter. Stir until the starter is fully dissolved in the water.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Make sure all the flour is incorporated.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough. Gently fold the cheese into the mixture until evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the loaf is rising.
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Easy Cheddar Sourdough Bread fresh, or store it in an airtight container for later use!
Tips
- Use Active Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it. Feed it a few hours before starting the recipe to ensure it has the right potency.
- Temperature Matters: When mixing your warm water with the sourdough starter, ensure the water isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for lukewarm water, around 100°F (38°C).
- Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
- Patience for Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, tap the bottom of the loaf after removing it from the oven. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready! If not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let your bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the texture set and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses or herbs for added flavor. Try adding some crumbled feta or chopped herbs for a unique twist!Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every bite of your homemade Easy Cheddar Sourdough Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
