Sliced cheddar and sage twisted bread on a yellow cutting board, showing swirls of melted cheddar and flecks of sage inside, beside a packet of Fleischmann’s Quick-Rise Instant Yeast on a marble countertop.

Cheddar & Sage Bread

Intermediate • 1 Loaf • 3 hr 40 min

Preheat the oven to 350(f) degrees. Line a loaf pan. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, honey, egg & instant yeast, then knead in flour, salt & butter until smooth. Let rise until doubled, roll out, then brush with butter & top with grated cheddar & fresh sage. Roll into a log, slice lengthwise, twist & let rise again before baking until golden.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup water, warm to touch
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 packet of Fleischmann’s Instant Yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
  • 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
  • Egg wash, to finish

Method

Sliced cheddar and sage twisted bread on a yellow cutting board, showing swirls of melted cheddar and flecks of sage inside, beside a packet of Fleischmann’s Quick-Rise Instant Yeast on a marble countertop.
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add water, honey, egg & Fleischmann’s Instant Yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes.

  2. Sift in flour & salt, followed by 4 tablespoons butter. With the mixer on low speed, knead until the dough is smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes. Shape into a ball, cover & let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to roughly a 9 by 15-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with the remaining butter.

  4. Finish with an even layer of cheese & sage, leaving a 1-inch border. Tightly roll the dough on the long side to form a log.

  5. Slice the long lengthwise down the centre & twist the two pieces together. Seal the edges & transfer to a lined loaf pan. Let rise a second time for 30 minutes.

  6. Brush with egg wash & bake at 350(f) degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, until golden & cooked throughout. Let cool completely before slicing & serving.

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