Bacon Cheddar Bread

This is one of those yummy, yummy, devoured before it's even cooled kind of breads. I think it is my elder son's favorite.

Bacon Cheddar Bread...

First, fry up about 8-10 slices of bacon, until crispy, then drain it on some paper towels. DO NOT toss your bacon drippings yet!


Chop up your bacon, to 1/2 inch or so sized pieces.

Cut off the soft, fatty pieces, and feed them to the dogs.

Or the boys that are hovering around like drooling hyenas.



And grate up about 1 1/2 c sharp cheddar cheese.


I like to cube up some of the cheese too, so that every so often you get a very intense taste of cheddar.

Now, go to your pan, and save 1 tablespoon of the drippings...


...and set aside.


Now, in your stand mixer (with dough hook)...add 3 cups white bread flour.


1 1/4 c warm water and the bacon drippings...


1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 Tablespoon sugar, and 2 1/4 tsp yeast...


...and 3/4 of the cheese and bacon. Now, turn your mixer on, and let it run 14 minutes. You will have something like this:


Let it rise, covered, for 1 hour. Then turn your mixer on for a few seconds to "beat down" the dough.

Turn it out onto a floured surface.


Divide the dough in half.


With one section, pat it out into a rectanglish shape, and roll the dough up.


Place the dough onto a baking stone or sheet, covered with parchment paper. Repeat with the other half.


Cover the stone with a towel, and let rise in a warm place. I like to use my oven with the light on.


After about an hour, when the loaves have doubled in size, take them out and brush them lightly with some milk.


(Note to self: NEVER buy another one of these silicon brushes. Nope, I just don't like them.)

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Now take the reserved cheese, and sprinkle over the tops of the loaves.


And do the same with the rest of the bacon.


Bake for 25-30 minutes. (Don't these look like loaded baked potatoes?)


And when they come out....

Oh heavens.



Oh yum!



Enjoy!





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Printable Version: Bacon Cheddar Bread