Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Asiago Cheese Bread features a crispy, cheese-crusted exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that is bursting with the savory flavor of Asiago cheese. This homemade bread recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy cheese and a hint of black pepper, making it the ideal accompaniment to soups, stews, or pasta dishes. Its delicious aroma and golden crust make it an irresistible treat for bread lovers!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 ¼ cups shredded Asiago cheese (divided)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the milk and butter: Warm the milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl until the milk reaches 120-130°F (49-54°C), just enough to activate the yeast.
Combine the mixtures: Stir the milk and butter mixture into the flour mixture and mix until smooth. Add 1 ¼ cups of shredded Asiago cheese and mix until combined.
Knead the dough: Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough using a stand mixer for about 5 minutes until the dough is slightly sticky but smooth.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the loaves rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaves with an egg wash and sprinkle the remaining Asiago cheese on top.
Bake: Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown, with an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 loaves (approximately 16 slices)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Asiago Rolls: Divide the dough into 12 balls and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 22-24 minutes.
Asiago Bread Bowls: Divide the dough into 4 large balls, and bake as bread bowls for soups.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a fresh, crispy crust.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Bread flour provides a better texture and structure, but you can substitute all-purpose flour if needed.

How can I tell when the bread is done?

The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for perfectly baked bread.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth.

How do I prevent the crust from getting too hard?

To keep the crust soft, you can cover the bread with a kitchen towel after baking.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Asiago Cheese Bread is a simple yet flavorful bread that combines the tanginess of Asiago with a fluffy interior and crispy crust. Perfect for pairing with a wide range of dishes, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Asiago Cheese Bread

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Asiago Cheese Bread is a savory, homemade bread featuring a crispy cheese-crusted exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Infused with the tangy flavor of Asiago cheese and a hint of black pepper, this bread is perfect for accompanying soups, stews, or pasta dishes. With a golden crust and irresistible aroma, it’s a must-try for bread lovers!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (approximately 16 slices)
Category: Bread, Savory Bread, Homemade Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the milk and butter: Warm the milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl until the milk reaches 120-130°F (49-54°C), just enough to activate the yeast.
Combine the mixtures: Stir the milk and butter mixture into the flour mixture and mix until smooth. Add 1 ¼ cups of shredded Asiago cheese and mix until combined.
Knead the dough: Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough using a stand mixer for about 5 minutes until the dough is slightly sticky but smooth.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the loaves rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaves with an egg wash and sprinkle the remaining Asiago cheese on top.
Bake: Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown, with an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Notes

Asiago Rolls: Divide the dough into 12 balls and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 22-24 minutes.

Asiago Bread Bowls: Divide the dough into 4 large balls and bake as bread bowls for soups.

Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.