Cheese and Bacon Bread

Name: Cheese and Bacon Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 115 min
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated); 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)

115 min 8 slices Medium

All Recipes

Savoury bread filled with gooey cheese and crispy bacon, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Prep

20 min

Cook

35 min

Total

115 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

What could be more delightful than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? When you add cheese and bacon to the mix, it transforms a simple bread recipe into a delectable treat that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Our Cheese and Bacon Bread combines the savoury flavours of crispy bacon and gooey cheese in a soft, fluffy loaf. It's a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with eggs or can be enjoyed on its own.

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.

Pro tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Knead the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Pro tip: The dough should bounce back when poked.

First rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Pro tip: A warm oven (turned off) is ideal for rising.

Prepare the filling

While the dough rises, cook the bacon until crispy. Let cool and crumble. Mix with grated cheese and chives.

Pro tip: Use a paper towel to absorb excess grease from bacon.

Shape the bread

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12x9 inch rectangle. Sprinkle the cheese and bacon mixture evenly over the dough.

Pro tip: Leave a border around the edges for sealing.

Roll and final rise

Roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal. Place in a greased loaf pan and let rise for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure the seam is on the bottom to prevent unrolling.

Bake the bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Pro tip: The bread is done if it sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool and serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro tip: Cooling helps set the texture of the bread.

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Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
Crisp up the bacon before adding to the dough.
Ensure yeast is fresh for a proper rise.
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pain au fromage?

Pain au fromage is a savoury bread filled with cheese, often featuring additional ingredients like bacon or herbs.

How do you make quick cheese bread?

For a quicker version, use baking powder instead of yeast and bake immediately after mixing the ingredients.

Can I use different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for different flavours.

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The dough typically needs to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

What temperature should the bread be baked at?

Bake the bread at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this Cheese and Bacon Bread warm from the oven, perhaps with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of extra cheese. It pairs beautifully with a sunny-side-up egg or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze slices for up to a month. Simply reheat in the oven before serving for that freshly baked taste.