Description
Savory bacon cheese bread combines rustic comfort with irresistible flavor, promising a mouthwatering experience. Crisp bacon and melted cheese create a perfect harmony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving another slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Bacon and Fat Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup bacon fat
- 2 tbsp butter
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk and sugar, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, creating a well in the center for wet ingredients.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and bacon fat into the flour mixture, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and fold in crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Shape the dough into a loaf, placing it in a greased bread pan and allowing a second rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough completes its second rise.
- Sprinkle additional cheese and chopped chives on top of the loaf before baking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Remove from oven, let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Swap bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the savory flavor profile.
- Enhance moisture by brushing melted butter or olive oil on top of the bread during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a golden, crisp crust.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations that complement the bacon.
- Freeze extra bread slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months, reheating in the oven to restore its fresh-baked texture and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg