Description
This Easy Dutch Oven Cheddar Bread recipe offers a soft, tender loaf with a crisp, golden crust, infused with savory plant-based cheddar cheese. Baked in a Dutch oven for perfect heat and moisture control, the bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or accompanying meals. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a delightful treat for any kitchen, delivering warm, cheesy comfort with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 cup grated plant-based cheddar cheese
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to confirm the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, natural gelling agent, and grated plant-based cheddar cheese. Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) then stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead and Let Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough gently, shape into a round loaf, and place it on parchment paper. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Dutch Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with the Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the loaf with parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and crisp.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer to a wire rack. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to maintain texture and prevent gumminess.
Notes
- Aim for a slightly sticky dough for moist, tender bread.
- Use fresh yeast for optimal rising and fluffiness.
- Fully preheat the Dutch oven for the best crust texture.
- Do not skip the second rise as it develops flavor and light crumb.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to set the crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Dutch Oven Bread, Plant-Based Cheddar Bread, Savory Bread, Vegetarian Bread, Easy Baking, Homemade Bread