Spicy Cheese Bread Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the bread. You can use other cheeses if preferred.

Sugar: Helps to activate the yeast and adds a slight sweetness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Red pepper flakes: Provides the spicy kick that makes this bread unique.

Active dry yeast: Essential for the bread to rise and become fluffy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps to form the dough.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.

When kneading the dough, make sure to use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a bread that is both chewy and airy. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour to your hands and the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the bread denser.

• cheddar - Substitute with pepper jack: Pepper jack cheese adds an extra layer of spiciness and melts well.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the bread.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper offers a similar heat level but in a powdered form.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast works faster and can be mixed directly with dry ingredients.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds richness and a softer texture to the bread.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-tasting oil that works well in baking.

• Allow the spicy cheese bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
• Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to further protect it from air and moisture.
• Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
• For freezing, slice the bread into individual portions to make it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Wrap each slice or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped bread in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container, and label it with the date.
• Freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
• For a quicker thaw, you can microwave individual slices on a low setting for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• To refresh the bread, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crusty texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the spicy cheese bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the spicy cheese bread and microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.

• If you have a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the spicy cheese bread directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melty and the bread is warm.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place slices of spicy cheese bread in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a broiler. Set your oven to broil on low. Place the spicy cheese bread on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

• Oven: Used to bake the bread at the specified temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients and form the dough.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour, cheese, and water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes.

• Wooden spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together.

• Floured surface: Used to knead the dough without it sticking.

• Damp cloth: Used to cover the dough while it rises.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise without sticking.

• Greased baking sheet: Used to bake the shaped loaf.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the bread after baking.

• Knife: Used to slice the bread once it has cooled.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine the dough, saving you from manual kneading.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while the dough is rising to ensure it's ready when you need it.

Shred cheese ahead: Shred the cheese in advance and store it in the fridge to streamline the mixing process.

Use instant yeast: Substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast to skip the proofing step and save time.