Vermont Cheddar Cheese Bread
Vermont Cheddar Cheese Bread offers a savory, cheesy flavor with a tender crumb and golden crust. The rich Vermont cheddar melds seamlessly with the yeasty bread, making it perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or alongside hearty soups. Its homemade quality appeals to bread enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, sugar, and shortening in a saucepan. Heat slowly, stirring until bubbles appear around the edge and cheese is melted.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm.
- Measure warm water into a large bowl and dissolve the dry yeast.
- Add the lukewarm milk mixture to the yeast along with the beaten eggs and 8 cups of flour. Beat until smooth.
- Add enough remaining flour to make stiff dough.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your milk mixture is not too hot when combined with the yeast to avoid killing it. Kneading is crucial for a good texture; aim for at least 10 minutes. You can also experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Vermont Cheddar Cheese Bread is perfect as a side for soups or stews, such as a hearty tomato basil soup. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or can be enjoyed toasted with butter for breakfast. For a delightful twist, serve slices alongside a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and pickles, or enjoy it with a spread of your favorite jams or honey.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Vermont Cheddar Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven until just heated through, ensuring it retains its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermont Cheddar Cheese Bread contains roughly 2747 calories, with 22g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 249g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2966mg per serving (129% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Vermont cheddar with other cheeses such as Gruyère or a sharp white cheddar for varied flavors. Keep in mind that the melting characteristics and taste may differ, so choose a cheese that complements your palate.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising. You can also try adding a bit of sugar to the warm water to help activate the yeast.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the dough. You can also mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or finely chopped jalapeños for a savory kick. Additionally, brushing the top with melted butter before baking creates a delicious crust.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).